United Way of Southeast Louisiana Awards Food Rescue US – New Orleans a $10,000 Grant

The United Way of Southeast Louisiana awarded Food Rescue US – New Orleans a $10,000 Blueprint for Prosperity Programmatic Grant. The funding will support the ongoing work of Food Rescue US – New Orleans and the site’s efforts to expand. Food Rescue US – New Orleans will recruit additional food donors and volunteers in order to be able to provide more food to receiving agencies which serve individuals experiencing food insecurity.

“Ensuring all households can access basic needs is a key piece of the Blueprint for Prosperity, United Way’s plan to move the needle on poverty in our region,” said Michael Williamson, United Way of Southeast Louisiana President and CEO. “We’re thrilled to partner with Food Rescue US – New Orleans and support their work to reduce hunger and food waste in our community through this grant.”

In Orleans Parish, an estimated 20.8% or 1 in 5 people experienced food insecurity in 2021. This estimated rate is up from 15.8% in 2019. Access to food is a basic need, and if it goes unmet, people experience physical and emotional consequences, including increased risk of chronic physical and mental health issues such as hypertension, obesity, diabetes, depression, and anxiety.

In just 2 years, Food Rescue US – New Orleans has provided more than 216,000 meals to those in need and kept more than 259,000 pounds of food out of landfills. Food Rescue US – New Orleans aims to increase their food recovery efforts by 10% during the grant period. This will enable them to provide food to a greater number of individuals in need.