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Every year, the average American household throws away food worth several hundred dollars. Not only does that waste money, it’s also a...

In the United States, thousands of families struggle to put food on the table, at the same time millions of tons of food are thrown away each year. However, food waste and food insecurity can be solved as a singular issue. The Problem Food Waste : The U.S. discards nearly 40% of its food supply, which is around  120 billion pounds each year. This waste is from farms, grocery stores, restaurants, and households. Food Insecurity: At the same time, over 44 million Americans live

Food waste is a nationwide crisis, however it is strongly prevalent in the Midwest. While it’s difficult to get exact numbers, we can still paint a picture by examining national data and regional trends. National Food Waste The United States discards nearly 60 million tons  of food each year, which is roughly 120 billion pounds , almost 40% of the food supply.  Feeding America estimates that 92 billion pounds  of food go to waste each year. This is roughly 145 billion meals  

Food rescue is about more than just saving food; it’s about nourishing communities, reducing waste, and promoting sustainability. Every pound of food saved is a meal for someone in need and one less pound of waste in our environment. Every year, millions of pounds of perfectly good food are wasted in the United States. This often happens because the food is near its sell-by date, has slight packaging damage, or grocery stores, farms, and restaurants have extra supplies. Food

Food is a basic human need, but for millions of people in the United States, getting enough to eat is not guaranteed. It’s a daily struggle. At food pantries like ours, we meet individuals and families facing this challenge every day. But what exactly is food insecurity, and who is most affected by it?  What Is Food Insecurity? Food insecurity means not having consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. It doesn’t just mean someone is going hungry. It also i

In today’s economy, more families are turning to food pantries to meet their basic needs. Food pantries work hard to serve their communities, but they can't do it alone. Your business can help. Partnering with a food pantry is not just charity; it’s a smart decision that benefits both your company and those who rely on local food support. Whether you run a small business, a regional employer, or a national brand with local branches, here’s why now is the right time to get inv

Food insecurity affects millions of individuals and families across the Midwest. While generous donations help keep food pantries operating, some items are often in short supply. Thoughtful donations can make a significant difference by ensuring people receive the nourishment, dignity, and variety they need. Here are the top 10 most needed items at food pantries in the Midwest and why each one matters. 1. Peanut Butter Peanut butter is a Midwest pantry essential. It is packed

Every day, food pantries around the country open their doors to help families facing food insecurity. Behind this effort are volunteers, ordinary people doing important work. They sort donations and offer friendly smiles to ensure our shelves are stocked and our guests feel welcome. So, what does a typical day look like for a food pantry volunteer? Let’s walk through it. 8:00 AM – Arrival and Morning Briefing The day starts early. As I enter the pantry, the pantry manager and

Food insecurity is a serious and growing issue across the United States, with its effects particularly pronounced in the Midwest. This region produces a large portion of the nation’s agricultural output, yet many states here face alarming rates of food insecurity. This situation reveals deeper problems, such as economic gaps, rural isolation, and unfair food distribution, that urgently need attention. T he Reality of Food Insecurity in the Midwest  The Midwest is often called

Food insecurity is a growing global problem that affects millions of individuals and families, even in developed countries. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), food insecurity means not having consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life (USDA, 2023). It involves not just hunger, but also the worry and stress of not knowing where the next meal will come from. Understanding Food Insecurity    Food insecurity can be short-term or ongoing, and