Food Rescue US Selected as Nonprofit Partner with 1% for the Planet

Food Rescue US is now an official Nonprofit Partner of 1% for the Planet. 1% Percent for the Planet is an international organization whose members contribute at least one percent of their annual sales to environmental causes. The program was founded on the concept that “because companies profit from the resources they take from the earth, they should protect those resources.” Since its inception in 2002, 1% for the Planet has successfully directed hundreds of millions of dollars to environmental nonprofits.

By rescuing excess, nutritious food from local businesses and providing it to those in need, Food Rescue US, along with 1% for the Planet, will continue to reduce food waste and its harmful impacts on our planet. Currently, food waste is contributing 6% of total global greenhouse gas emissions. This is largely because food that ends up in landfills and decomposes releases carbon dioxide and methane. According to ReFED in 2019 across the United States, 80.6 million surplus food tons were generated. This wasted food includes produce tossed by grocery stores with high cosmetic standards, unsold bread thrown-away by bakeries at closing, and premade meals with approaching sell by dates. Many businesses are unaware of the seriousness of food waste, and those that are aware do not have an easy alternative to throwing it away.

Food Rescue US offers local businesses a way to repurpose their excess food and save the fees associated with removing it. We streamline the process for food donors by allowing them to pick their schedule and provide varying amounts of food. Because we utilize a direct-transfer model, we are able to rescue fresh, nutritious perishable foods such as fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, and prepared meals. All of the food we rescue is then provided to nonprofit receiving agencies that serve it to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.

To support our efforts through 1% for the Planet, click here!