Food Rescue

Our Food Rescue Operation captures good food from partnering restaurants, schools, and businesses; food that would otherwise be added to landfills.

Rescued food is used creatively throughout our meal programming. Cafeteria food is re-heated and served. Meats, produce and dairy are incorporated into made-from-scratch meals. Mobile foods like yogurt and sandwiches are brought to people living on the urban streets of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Click here to learn about operations in St. Cloud.

Wasted food is food available for human consumption but not consumed. According to the USDA, it is the single largest component going into municipal landfills, estimated at between 30-40 percent of the food supply in the United States. It generates carbon dioxide and methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere. According to the McKnight Foundation, the Midwest is the sixth largest producer of greenhouse gas emissions in the world.

Partner Highlight

What is Fresh Food Connect? Fresh Food Connect helps us connect our community meal sites and HUB partners with fresh produce from backyard gardens and local farms. Loaves & Fishes has partnered again this season with this national non-profit organization in pursuit of a more local and fresh produce option. Extra produce and herbs from Fresh Food Connect will go directly to our community meal sites and street outreach program to increase our fresh and healthy options. Farmers and backyard growers are welcome!

Download the Fresh Food Connect App

Partner With Us

To learn how to donate leftover food or become a food rescue partner, contact Mel McCormick today.