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Hello, Downtown!
What does it take to rescue and deliver one million pounds of food? Six years and a three-prong collaboration between the Lucky Duck Foundation, Feeding San Diego and The Salvation Army.
The food comes from grocery stores and businesses, all rescued before being sent to the landfill.
With $500,000 in funding from Lucky Duck, the Salvation Army hired residents from its homeless shelters and trained them as food rescue route drivers. These drivers operate on pickup routes provided by Feeding San Diego.
The food is distributed at Salvation Army food pantries to individuals experiencing homelessness and those on the brink.
“This program shows what’s possible when organizations leverage their strengths to collaborate,” Lucky Duck Foundation CEO Drew Moser said. “We are proud to fuel this partnership and achieve this milestone with two outstanding partners. We hope others will replicate this model.”
The model includes solutions that address homelessness, food insecurity and workforce gaps.
“Reaching one million pounds of food rescued through this partnership is an incredible example of what is possible when nonprofit organizations, community partners and food donors come together around a shared mission,” Feeding San Diego CEO Bob Kamensky said.
The food represents both physical and mental nourishment, according to Salvation Army Major Rob Reardon.
“One million pounds of food means countless families will have hope on their tables and reassurance in their hearts knowing their community stands beside them in times of need,” Reardon said.
What’s the equivalent of one million pounds of food? It would fill about 16 fully loaded semitrucks, is valued at $1.9 million and represents roughly 830,000 meals.
Ron Donoho
Downtown News newsletter host
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