Join the Movement: Your Essential Guide to Rescuing Food and Reducing Waste in Southwest Florida

Did you know that nearly 38% of the food supply in the U.S. goes to waste? According to Feeding America, that adds up to a staggering 92 billion pounds of food each year, which is about 145 billion meals that are simply tossed away.

This waste happens for various reasons. It’s not just families throwing away leftovers or buying too much at the grocery store. Supermarkets and distributors also contribute significantly. They often discard food that is close to its expiration date or looks slightly less appealing. Sometimes, good food is thrown out just to make room for new stock.

In a country grappling with hunger, this waste is alarming. In Southwest Florida, one in eight people, including one in six children, are food insecure. It’s hard to believe this happens in a region that has so many resources.

The Harry Chapin Food Bank is making a difference in this crisis. Through its Retail Store Pick-Up Program, it collects millions of pounds of food that would otherwise be wasted. Each week, they gather both shelf-stable and perishable items from over 140 local retailers like Publix, Walmart, and Sam’s Club. These donations include fresh produce, meats, baked goods, and more. All of this food is carefully inspected and packaged before being distributed to more than 175 partner agencies in the Feeding Network.

Additionally, the Food Bank runs a Fresh Produce Rescue Program, reaching out to farmers and distributors to rescue fruits and vegetables that didn’t sell. This ensures that perfectly good produce finds its way to those in need instead of going to waste.

Harry Chapin Food Bank serves approximately 250,000 people each month across several counties including Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Lee. It’s disheartening that food insecurity remains a problem in such an affluent area.

As residents of Southwest Florida, it’s important to play a role in protecting our environment and reducing food waste. Making a commitment to minimize waste at home could be a meaningful step you take this year. Pay attention to what you buy, check expiration dates, and consider donating items you won’t use to the Food Bank or one of their partners. Not only does this help those in need, but it also contributes to a healthier environment.

If you’re wondering what to donate, here’s a quick list of the most-needed items:

• Breakfast bars
• Canned fish or chicken
• Canned or dried beans
• Canned vegetables and fruits
• Pasta
• Bottled pasta sauces
• Cooking oil
• Powdered milk
• Peanut butter and jelly
• Rice
• Canned soups

Every little action counts. Together, we can reduce waste and address food insecurity in our community.

Learn more about the Harry Chapin Food Bank and its efforts at HarryChapinFoodBank.org.

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