Have you ever thought about what happens to the food on grocery store shelves once it is nearing the expiration date? What do farmers do if a buyer cancels an order of thousands of pounds of produce? What do food companies do if they cannot sell products because the packaging is damaged?
The answer to all these questions is the same. Feeding San Diego rescues that food.
Food goes to waste every day in America. In fact, according to ReFED, in 2022 the U.S. let 38% of the 235 million tons in our food supply go unsold or uneaten. This is while millions of people experience food insecurity. Here in San Diego County, Feeding San Diego is working to address this problem. Feeding San Diego is not your typical food bank. The hunger-relief organization has an extensive food rescue network that extends to grocery stores, farms, and food manufacturers–making sure food gets to people in need and does not go to waste. Last year, the organization rescued more than 31 million pounds of food that went to people in need with the help of the community. Here are three ways to get involved this Earth Month.
1. Make a Donation
Feeding San Diego is a non-profit organization that relies on the community’s support to keep its hunger-relief programs operating year-round. During the month of April, thanks to a $100,000 challenge match from Price Philanthropies, every dollar you give will help provide twice as much fresh, nutritious produce to families in need right here in San Diego County. The best part is that most of that produce is rescued, meaning your gift helps protect people and the planet.
2. Volunteer This Month
Head to Feeding San Diego’s headquarters in Sorrento Valley to do a two-hour volunteer shift to glean and sort rescued food and get it ready to go out to neighbors in need. Volunteer shifts at Feeding San Diego are high energy, a great way to get your steps in, and kids ages six and up can get in on the fun. There are opportunities six days a week in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings. There are also other volunteer opportunities like being a food rescue driver. This is a remote and independent volunteer opportunity that allows community members to support food rescue operations by picking up and delivering food donations. Whatever you’d like to do to get involved, by donating your time you can help support Feeding San Diego’s mission. Explore all volunteer shifts on the website.
3. Wear the limited-edition Feed People, Not Landfills t-shirt
For Earth Month, Feeding San Diego partnered with local artist Hanna Gundrum (@littlehouseink on Instagram) to create a limited-edition Feed People, Not Landfills t-shirt. You can get one by making a donation of $40 or more during the month of April. Wear it around town and make sure your neighborhood knows that you’re a Feeding San Diego supporter.
By rescuing surplus food from going to waste, Feeding San Diego is ensuring that people facing hunger—including college students, families, seniors, and active-duty military families and veterans—have access to nutritious meals. Plus, food does not end up in the landfill, where it generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas and major contributor to climate change. Pick up your t-shirt from Feeding San Diego’s office in Sorrento Valley, then wear it around town to make sure your neighborhood knows that you’re a supporter.
