In the late 2010s, a heartwarming initiative emerged in Pittsburgh, dedicated to transforming surplus food into opportunities for those in need. This initiative, known as the 412 Food Rescue, operates much like a benevolent delivery service, redirecting donated food that’s approaching its expiration date to communities that can truly benefit from it.

By harnessing the power of technology, 412 Food Rescue established a vibrant network of volunteers and local businesses. Thanks to an innovative app they developed, this organization built the largest volunteer-led food transportation system in an urban area by 2019. With over 25,000 dedicated volunteer drivers using the app, named Food Rescue Hero, food that might otherwise go to waste—whether due to aesthetic imperfections or ordering errors—was efficiently collected and transported to the organization’s Good Food Project kitchen in Millvale, Pittsburgh.

In an inspiring display of teamwork, these volunteers prepared up to 600 meals a day for various nonprofit organizations, ensuring that countless individuals received the nourishment they needed. By the end of their efforts, an astonishing 70 million pounds of food had been transformed into 57 million meals, while simultaneously preventing an impressive 30 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions that would have resulted from food waste.

As we look ahead to 2025, the impact of this initiative has grown tremendously. By the conclusion of 2024, 412 Food Rescue has expanded its reach, partnering with organizations across Illinois, Arkansas, California, New York, Colorado, North Dakota, and Texas. Together, they have rescued tens of millions of pounds of food, leading to the prevention of approximately 102 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions. This remarkable achievement is akin to removing 4,043 cars from the roads for an entire year.

In a world where nearly 40% of food produced in the United States goes to waste, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, it is uplifting to remember that one in seven people still experiences hunger.

Alyssa Cholodofsky, the CEO of Food Rescue Hero, beautifully encapsulates the spirit of this movement: "We were founded on the principle that people are wired for good, and our Food Rescue Hero community has validated that belief many times over." She adds, "Ours is a story of regular people helping each other and working together to take on some of the biggest challenges facing our world. Two hundred and fifty million pounds is just the beginning."

With a staggering 250 million pounds of food rescued and an impressive 450 million pounds of emissions prevented, this initiative serves as a shining example of how community-driven solutions can effectively tackle significant global challenges.

For those interested in joining this uplifting movement, there are numerous ways to get involved with 412 Food Rescue in the Pittsburgh area or with Food Rescue Hero, the nationwide collaboration. More details can be found on their websites.

Spread the word about this incredible effort and the positivity it brings to communities everywhere!