My Food Rescue Lehigh Valley: Fighting Hunger and Climate Change, One Meal at a Time
In the heart of the Lehigh Valley, a new initiative is taking root, one that is set to change the way we think about food, hunger, and our environment. Meet My Food Rescue Lehigh Valley, a program with a two-pronged mission: to alleviate hunger and reduce critical carbon emissions by diverting organic food waste from landfills.
The statistics are staggering. The Environmental Protection Agency and the United Nations estimate that approximately 8-10% of carbon emissions in the atmosphere can be attributed to food waste. That’s a startling figure when you consider that at least 1 in 10 people in the Lehigh Valley are struggling with food insecurity. And we believe the number of nutrient-insecure individuals, those who have food available but not necessarily healthy options, is even higher.
My Food Rescue LV is on a mission to address both these pressing issues using innovative and technology-driven solutions. Picture an app, much like Uber Eats, that facilitates the seamless coordination of food pickups with potential donors across the Lehigh Valley.
In 2015, the USDA joined forces with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency with a common goal: to reduce our nation’s food waste by 50% by the year 2030. That’s an ambitious target, and My Food Rescue LV is taking up the mantle to ensure that more supermarkets, restaurants, and food outlets can contribute to this crucial mission. We understand that many of these establishments may have the will to donate excess food, but logistical hurdles often stand in the way.
Our app will be a game-changer, allowing donors to instantly communicate what they have to offer. Real-time information will enable our technology to coordinate swift and efficient transportation to the needy recipients. It’s about creating a dynamic and responsive network that bridges the gap between those with excess food and those who need it most.
At My Food Rescue LV, we’re committed to becoming the go-to resource in the Greater Lehigh Valley for connecting potential donors with programs that can make the most of surplus food. But we don’t stop at just rescuing food; we transform it into healthy, prepared, no-cost, and low-cost meals. Our dedicated volunteers also support a compost program, picking up compost from food donors during the same trip. This not only reduces waste but also offsets the carbon footprint associated with transportation, aligning with the environmental goals of the USDA and the UN.
My Food Rescue LV is more than just a program; it’s a movement to combat both hunger and climate change simultaneously. By bringing together technology, community involvement, and a shared commitment to a brighter, more sustainable future, we can make a real difference in the Lehigh Valley.
To learn more about My Food Rescue, click the link below. Together, we can rescue food, reduce waste, and build a more sustainable future for all.
