Feeding America® announced today that MealConnect®, its food donation platform, has facilitated five billion pounds of food rescued since its launch in 2014. In 2022 alone, MealConnect supported the network in rescuing over one billion meals for neighbors facing hunger.
Feeding America developed MealConnect as a solution for the nation’s charitable food system, allowing partner food banks to coordinate and receive donations from their local food businesses and grocers. Any restaurant, caterer, local grocery chain, hotel, independent food distribution company, ag producer, and other community food business can use the no-cost platform to donate surplus meals – making MealConnect the only food rescue technology available nationwide. MealConnect supports more than 90% of Feeding America’s partners, which benefit from the program’s rescued food.
“As a network of more than 200 partner food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs, Feeding America is well-positioned to connect businesses that have surplus food to people in need of assistance,” said Maryann Byrdak, Chief Information Officer for Feeding America. “Through the MealConnect system, we’ve reached a remarkable milestone by rescuing more than five billion pounds of food, a number that will continue to grow as the platform’s technology evolves. Our hope is for grocers, food companies, and ag producers to continue to adopt MealConnect and help us provide rescued food to millions of people facing hunger.”
To further support retail rescue efforts, Feeding America recently launched a completely refreshed MealConnect mobile app. The app introduces a new chat functionality between food banks, pantries, meal programs and retail donors. Through pilot programs with national retailers, Feeding America aims to decrease wait times and enhance communication across the charitable food system. By facilitating food arrival notifications and streamlining communication, Feeding America looks to empower food banks and their partners to rescue more food efficiently.
Product donations made through MealConnect are tax-deductible. Food businesses interested in donating can visit https://mealconnect.org/ to donate today. The MealConnect app is also available for free download in both the iOS App and Google Play stores.
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About Feeding America
Rooted in the voices of neighbors facing hunger, Feeding America unites the country ensuring everyone has access to food and a thriving future. We support tens of millions of people as part of a nationwide network of 250+ food banks, 20+ statewide food bank associations, 10+ regional co-ops and 60,000+ agency partners, food pantries and meal programs. Powered by leaders and volunteers embedded in local communities, we are one of the nation’s most effective food distribution systems driving immediate impact today—and a catalyst for long-term change through advocating for legislation that improves food security and work to address its factors. We partner with people experiencing food insecurity, policymakers, organizations and supporters united with the unwavering commitment to provide nourishing food and work to end hunger at its roots so everyone can live fuller, healthier lives. Visit FeedingAmerica.org to learn more.