Rescuing Bagels, Nourishing Communities: The Inspiring Story of Bagel Rescue

In the bustling heart of Atlanta, a remarkable nonprofit organization is on a mission to reduce food waste and combat hunger. Erin Stieglitz, a metro Atlanta resident, is the driving force behind Bagel Rescue, a 501(c)(3) organization that partners with local bakeries to "rescue" unsold bagels and distribute them to those in need.

Transforming Surplus into Sustenance: The Bagel Rescue Movement

Uncovering the Bagel Surplus Dilemma

Erin Stieglitz's journey with Bagel Rescue began during the COVID-19 pandemic when her son, Rhys, coordinated a holiday breakfast for essential workers at Northside Hospital. In reaching out to a local bakery, Goldberg's, for help, Stieglitz quickly realized the staggering amount of bagels that were going to waste each day. "Depending on location, some of them, we may only have two- or three-hundred. In some locations, we'll have 1,500 left every day," explains Jennifer Johnson, the director of restaurant operations at Goldberg's.

Establishing the Bagel Rescue Network

Driven by this discovery, Stieglitz founded Bagel Rescue, a nonprofit organization that partners with over 50 local bakeries to "rescue" unsold bagels. These semi-perishable bread rolls are then distributed to food pantries, shelters, and community outreach efforts across nine metro Atlanta counties. Stieglitz coordinates a network of over 150 volunteers to ensure the timely pickup and delivery of these rescued bagels, which have now totaled over 2 million and counting.

Transforming Bagels into Nourishment

The impact of Bagel Rescue extends far beyond the mere distribution of bagels. The organization's partnerships with local organizations, such as Clyde's Kitchen at Crossroads Community Ministries and the Salvation Army Outreach, have allowed these rescued bagels to be transformed into a variety of nutritious meals and snacks. Chef D. Chalit of Clyde's Kitchen explains, "We make bagel sack lunch sandwiches," while Chef Alberto Bermudez of the Salvation Army uses the bagels for meatloaf and mac and cheese toppings. At Raising Expectations, an afterschool youth program in Vine City, Tamara Burke serves the bagels as a snack, introducing some students to the delicacy for the first time.

Addressing Food Insecurity in Georgia

The need for Bagel Rescue's efforts is evident in the staggering statistics of food insecurity in Georgia. According to the organization, 13% of the state's population is food insecure, meaning they lack reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food. Stieglitz's dedication to reducing food waste and supporting hunger relief has made a tangible difference in the lives of those struggling with food insecurity across the metro Atlanta region.

The Power of the Circle: Bagel Rescue's Inspiring Growth

Stieglitz's journey with Bagel Rescue has been one of personal and organizational growth. The former PR professional never imagined she would be running a nonprofit organization out of her garage, but she saw an issue and found a solution. "Growing Bagel Rescue was like raising my children," she reflects. "You know, you don't know how to do everything at the beginning, right? But you learn as you go. You grow with your kids. And I feel like I've grown with Bagel Rescue."Now, Bagel Rescue has become a full-time venture for Stieglitz, and she believes the model can be replicated in other cities across the country with the help of dedicated volunteers. "I hope that Bagel Rescue is an inspiration for people to take action," she says, embodying the spirit of the organization's mission to transform surplus into sustenance and nourish communities in need.