Since its launch over a year ago, Kentucky Harvest's "food rescue hero" app has been making a significant impact. Volunteers like Bobbie Scofield have been at the forefront, rescuing an astonishing 2.1 million pounds of food from waste. Scofield, with her established route on Thursdays and the flexibility to pick up extra food during the week through the app, is a prime example of how this initiative works.

Empowering Volunteers to Combat Food Waste

How the App Connects Businesses and Nonprofits

The app serves as a crucial link between more than 191 businesses and restaurants and over 80 nonprofits. When a business like Thorntons has excess food, it can be easily donated through the app. Volunteers then view these stores as potential pickup locations, collect the food, and deliver it to the designated nonprofits. This seamless connection ensures that food that would otherwise go to waste finds its way to those in need.

For instance, when Scofield picked up a run from Thorntons in Fairdale and delivered it to the Family Scholar House downtown, it was a tangible example of the app's effectiveness. The app provides detailed information such as directions and the expected number of bags, making the delivery process smooth and efficient.

The Family Scholar House, with 279 families on its five campuses and many pre-residential people also in need of food, greatly benefits from such additional resources. As Deja Jackson, the director of community engagement, stated, "Our main supply of food is not nearly enough for that many people. So we love having additional resources like Kentucky Harvest to help fill in that gap."

The Role of Volunteers

According to Aaron Moore, the food rescue program manager for Kentucky Harvest, volunteers are the backbone of the operation. "We're not a food pantry or a food bank, but we're helping fill in the gaps of the existing system," Moore emphasized. Volunteers like Scofield play a vital role in ensuring that the rescued food reaches those who need it most.

Anyone can become a volunteer and contribute to this important cause. By signing up, individuals can join the efforts to combat food waste and make a difference in their communities. For more information on how to sign up, click here.

The impact of Kentucky Harvest's "food rescue hero" app is undeniable. With the help of volunteers and the seamless coordination between businesses and nonprofits, significant amounts of food are being rescued and distributed. This initiative is not only helping to feed those in need but also reducing food waste and making a positive impact on the environment.