SOUTH BEND, Ind. – In a time when so much food goes to waste, Cultivate Food Rescue is making a difference. They work hard to get good food to families in Michiana who need it the most. Jim Conklin, the executive director, leads this mission with passion and purpose.
Jim’s journey to Cultivate Food Rescue began more than 15 years ago when he faced some tough health challenges. He was working in accounting when he noticed something was wrong. His left foot began to drag, and he felt weakness in his left arm. A couple of weeks later, he found out he had a brain tumor.
This diagnosis changed everything for Jim. “You kind of rethink what you are doing,” he said. With support from his wife, he left his accounting job. “You only get one chance to do this,” she reminded him. “You can always go back.” This opened up new possibilities for him.
Since then, Jim has undergone more than five brain surgeries. He views these experiences as life-changing. “It has changed me enough that I wouldn’t ask for it to go away,” he reflects. He believes in using his challenges to help others and live out his faith.
At Cultivate Food Rescue, thousands of volunteers work together to pack millions of meals each year. Jim emphasizes that hunger is not about a lack of food. “We have more than enough food to feed everybody,” he states. “We just have to solve the logistics issue.” This approach sees them tackle the problem from a practical angle, focusing on how to distribute food effectively.
Jim finds motivation in seeing so many people involved, especially when he walks out to a parking lot full of volunteers. “It’s locally focused for our kids struggling,” he says. The community’s response fuels his passion, reminding him of the good being done.
In America, food insecurity remains a significant issue, with about 10.5% of households affected, according to a recent report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Cultivate Food Rescue plays a key role in addressing this problem locally. By redirecting surplus food, they not only minimize waste but also provide nutritious meals to those in need.
Through partnerships, such as the one with WNDU for the “Donate to Cultivate” initiative, the community can help. This program focuses on providing children with reliable meals. A small donation can make a big difference: $20 can feed a child for the weekend, while $200 can support a child for ten weeks.
Every effort counts in this important work. “Whatever this is, it has the local impact for our kids,” Jim says. His journey reminds us that challenges can lead to powerful changes, most importantly in how we serve others. For more on their initiatives, visit Cultivate Food Rescue’s website.
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