Food Rescue and Transportation Director Jon Meinert
Second Helpings rescued their 50 millionth pound of food as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce waste and fight hunger in the community.
The 50 millionth pound was rescued from Whole Foods Market Nora, who has donated to Second Helpings since 1998. Whole Foods Market donates to Second Helpings from all three of their Indianapolis-area locations, and together have donated more than 1.5 million pounds of food to Second Helpings.
“None of this would be feasible without the dedication of our community partners, volunteers, and staff who always go above and beyond,” said Jon Meinert, Second Helpings’ Director of Food Rescue and Transportation. “Our community partners range from small mom and pop restaurants to large scale event venues, to farmers, to international wholesalers. We’re beyond grateful for all of you and your collaborative efforts to support our community.”
Second Helpings CEO Linda Broadfoot
“Our Whole Foods Market Nora location has been a proud supporter of Second Helpings since its inception,” said Store Team Leader Debby Eynon. “Second Helpings is a joy to work with as a food rescue partner. Our higher purpose is to nourish people and the planet, so our Team Members are proud to help feed our community through food donations that Second Helpings turns into healthy meals. Last year, Team Members also volunteered at Second Helpings and saw our donations in action – a rewarding moment for everyone involved. We’re grateful to Second Helpings for being such an amazing partner to Whole Foods Market in Indianapolis.”
The Food Rescue program has been a crucial part of Second Helpings’ mission to reduce waste, through its entire 26-year history. Those 50 million pounds rescued is equivalent to preventing the emissions from more than 13,000 passenger vehicles driven for one year each (according to ReFed Impact Calculator).
This program brings in a wide community of supporters committed to sustainability in central Indiana and beyond. This year Second Helpings received a $100,000 grant from the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation to support food rescue efforts, as part of their focus on climate mitigation through food waste reduction.
“We take a broad, holistic view of health and that means working with community partners including Second Helpings to address hunger related efforts to support community health and resiliency,” said Neil Steffens, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s East Region Medicare President. “Reaching this food rescue milestone underscores the unwavering commitment towards combating waste and hunger in our community. Together, we can continue to turn rescued food into job opportunities, meals, and a better, sustainable future for our community.”
Members of our Food Rescue team celebrate the $100,000 gift Second Helpings received from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation.
“It took us more than 25 years to rescue our first 50 million pounds,” said Linda Broadfoot, Second Helpings’ CEO. “Thanks to our food donors and dedicated volunteers who are always willing to go the literal extra mile, I’m willing to bet it will take us half that time to rescue the next 50 million pounds of food rescued. We invite you to join us in rescuing this food and turning it into jobs and meals!”
Join Second Helpings’ work to create less waste and more opportunities by signing up to volunteer with the food rescue team! The organization is looking for drivers, driver companions, and food sorters, Monday-Friday.