4 ways Feeding America is rescuing food — and why it matters right now
Right now, 47 million people in the U.S.—including 14 million children—are facing food insecurity, the highest number in a decade.
But there’s also real momentum. Feeding America is the country’s largest food rescue organization, and its nationwide network of food banks is already putting solutions into action. In fiscal year 2024 alone, the network rescued 4.1 billion pounds of food—fresh produce, dairy, protein and other groceries that might otherwise go to waste.
Here’s how it’s happening—and why it matters right now.
Prioritizing the Fresh, Nutritious Food Families Want Most
When neighbors visit food programs, they’re often looking for fresh produce, protein and dairy—foods that support long-term health.
Feeding America is responding by expanding partnerships with farmers and investing in regional sourcing hubs. Every week more than 59 million pounds of agricultural products move through the network to food banks across the country. Because addressing hunger isn’t just about calories, it’s about providing the nutritious food families need to thrive.
Partnering with Farmers, Retailers and Manufacturers
Food rescue starts where food already exists—on farms, in stores and in warehouses.
Farmers can redirect surplus harvests to food banks. Retailers are currently the largest source of rescued food, contributing more than 2 billion pounds last year, with an estimated 800 million pounds recoverable. Manufacturers and distributors also play a key role by ensuring quality products reach families rather than going unused.
These partnerships transform surplus into support — one pickup, one truckload, one community at a time.
Powering Food Rescue with Technology: MealConnect®
At the center of this work is MealConnect®, Feeding America’s free online platform that makes food rescue simple and fast. Since launching in 2014, MealConnect® has helped rescue more than six billion pounds of food.
Here’s how it works: Food donors post available surplus, nearby food banks receive an instant notification and a pickup is scheduled. Within hours, food that might have gone to waste is on its way to neighbors.
The result? Lower costs, faster distribution and more nutritious food reaching tables nationwide.
Building the Infrastructure to Move More Food, Faster
Rescuing billions of pounds of food requires more than goodwill—it requires strong local infrastructure.
That means investing in:
- Cold storage to keep fresh food safe
- Trucks and transportation networks
- Staff and volunteers
- Training and logistics systems
With grocery prices still high, these investments help food banks shorten lines and expand access to fresh food in communities across the country.
Why It Matters Now
The Feeding America network is uniquely positioned to meet this moment. With strong partnerships, innovative technology and deep community roots, the organization is scaling food rescue like never before. This work isn’t just about food—it’s about momentum toward a future where no one goes hungry.
Give now to help rescue healthy food for neighbors at FeedingAmerica.org/rescuefood.