Organizations of food redistribution and rescue

- Food rescue nutrition is the process of surplus food reallocation to those in need.
- The extent of involvement of community-based programs in food rescue nutrition was strong in eight Southwestern states.
- The involved organizations provided an average of 2 million kg of food to more than 40,000 clients each month.
- The agencies encountered several challenges that resulted in reducing food portions and turning away clients.
- Sustainability of these charitable networks was dependent on availability of resources and sufficient volunteers.

ObjectiveFood insecurity affects 13.4% of the USA population, despite the fact that 30-40% of all food is deposited in a landfill. Food rescue nutrition is the process of redistribution of surplus food to the impoverished. The aim of this study is to document the extent of involvement of organizations in food rescue nutrition.Study designIn this cross-sectional study, a survey about organizations involved in food rescue nutrition was developed, validated, and then tested.MethodDirectors of 100 organizations involved in food rescue nutrition from eight Southwestern States in the USA participated in this research.ResultsThese organizations provided an average of 2 million kg of food to more than 40,000 clients each month. Food assistance programs had an average of eight workers and 3081 volunteers. In addition to food, these organizations provided other services such as clothing, clinical, and childcare. The agencies encountered several challenges, including lack of resources that resulted in reducing food portions and turning away clients.ConclusionsThe extent of involvement of community-based programs in food rescue nutrition was strong in eight Southwestern states in the USA. Organizations involved in food redistribution helped alleviate food insecurity in their clients. Sustainability of these charitable networks was dependent on availability of resources and sufficient volunteers. Health professionals should encourage these organizations by providing support through donations of time, money, and/or food.