Join the Fight Against Food Waste: Your Guide to Rescuing Food in Southwest Florida

Did you know that about 38% of the food supply in the U.S. goes to waste? That’s around 92 billion pounds of food every year, which equals roughly 145 billion meals! Surprising, right? This waste comes not just from homes but also from groceries and retailers. Stores often toss out food that’s nearing its expiration date or doesn’t look perfect. Sometimes, they even get rid of good food just to clear shelves for new stock.

This waste is a huge issue, especially when many people in the U.S. face hunger. In Southwest Florida, for instance, one in eight residents, including one in six kids, struggles with food insecurity. It’s a serious situation that needs addressing.

Organizations like the Harry Chapin Food Bank are making a difference. They have a Retail Store Pick-Up Program that has saved millions of pounds of food from going to waste. Every week, they team up with more than 140 retailers, including popular stores like Publix and Walmart, to collect food that would otherwise be thrown out. This includes fresh produce, meats, baked goods, and more. Instead of hitting the landfill, this food is inspected, packaged, and redistributed to over 175 partner agencies in the area.

Additionally, they run a Fresh Produce Rescue Program. This initiative gathers fruits and vegetables directly from farmers and distributors, making sure that good produce ends up where it’s needed—on dinner tables in Southwest Florida, rather than in compost heaps.

On average, Harry Chapin Food Bank supports 250,000 people every month across a few counties. It’s disheartening that even in a fairly wealthy area, food insecurity is a prevalent issue. According to recent studies, hunger affects more households now than it did a decade ago, reflecting a 50% increase in those seeking food assistance during economic challenges.

We can all play a part in tackling food waste and enhancing food security. This year, try to reduce how much food you waste at home. Check your pantry and fridge regularly. If you find items you won’t use before they expire, consider donating them to the Harry Chapin Food Bank or one of its partner agencies. Every little bit helps!

Here’s a list of the most-needed food items in our community: