To the rescue: Food waste diversion organization launches in Red Deer

Jul 20, 2023 | 10:47 AM

A new organization in Red Deer hopes to prevent food waste in an innovative way.

The Leftovers Foundation officially expanded into Red Deer this week after successful launches in Edmonton, Calgary and Winnipeg..

The organization utilizes volunteers and its Rescue Food app to collect surplus food from grocery stores, hotels and restaurants, then redirecting it to social service agencies. This prevents that food from simply winding up in the landfill.

“The program is simple, yet impactful. Food donors can easily sign up on our website, while our City Coordinator organizes delivery routes,” explains Cory Rianson, executive director.

“By downloading the Rescue Food app, volunteers can conveniently view and sign up for available routes. We’re thrilled to launch in Red Deer and collaborate with its inspiring community members.”

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Meantime, the head of the Red Deer Food Bank is excited about the foundation’s launch here.

“We’ve seen their program model thrive in other communities, which fills us with optimism,” says Mitch Thomson, food bank executive director. “Leveraging volunteers and forging partnerships with restaurants and food retailers, they will enable us to serve our community even better. We’re excited to work together and make a significant difference in addressing food insecurity and reducing waste in Red Deer.”

According to rescuefood.ca, The Leftovers Foundation has redirected more than 2.26 million pounds of food and saved more than $2.68 million since the COVID-19 pandemic started.

To learn more or to become involved, contact kaity@rescuefood.ca.

by Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

To the rescue: Food waste diversion organization launches in Red Deer

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