The world is full of challenges everywhere we look, and the sense of responsibility to help fix it can be overwhelming. None of us can do it all, but we can do our small part to make the world a better place.
412 Food Rescue gives you the opportunity to volunteer flexibly: on your own terms, when you have the time. Plus, it’s a chance to see your impact firsthand! Step out of your WFH setup, get to know your neighborhood, even boost your resume – all while making a difference in your community.
Why volunteer with 412 Food Rescue?
Human rights 🤝 Climate conscious
Food insecurity is a pressing issue that affects millions of people globally, including children and families, right in our own neighborhoods. One in five Pittsburgh residents is experiencing food insecurity – which means over 60,000 of our neighbors are struggling to have access to healthy, adequate, and culturally appropriate food.1 412 Food Rescue’s mission is to combat this lack of access through rescuing surplus food from retailers like grocery stores and restaurants, 80-90% of which is fresh (not boxed or canned), and redistributing it directly to accessible distribution points for these community members.
When food is rescued and redirected to those in need, it not only helps people but also reduces the harmful environmental effects of food waste. You see, when food isn’t consumed, all the energy, resources, and money that went into producing, processing, packaging, and transporting it are wasted, too.2 And if food goes to the landfill and decomposes, it produces methane—a greenhouse gas even more potent than carbon dioxide. So by intervening before the food goes bad or gets thrown away, we’re not only helping sustain our community members, but our planet as well.
We believe in the power of local actions to drive global change. By volunteering with us, you’re not just saving surplus food from landfills; you’re saving the environment from unnecessary harm and putting food on the plates of those who need it most. In as little as 30 minutes YOU can seriously create positive and direct local impact.
Flexibility
We know what stands out as a key factor for young adults when it comes to volunteering: flexibility.3 This is what sets 412 Food Rescue apart – you volunteer on your own terms, when you have the time, without pre-shift meetings* or weekly commitments. Once you’ve claimed a rescue in the 412 Food Rescue app, you simply get in your car when it’s time, complete your route, and go back to your personal schedule.
*Don’t worry though – you’re not completely on your own! During food rescues, there’s always live assistance if you should need it via the 412 Food Rescue dispatch line, accessible by the click of a button in the app!
We understand that life can get hectic. Juggling responsibilities can be a challenge, but 412 Food Rescue is designed with your busy life in mind. Our intuitive app lets you pick and choose food rescues that align with your schedule, even previewing the route before you claim it so you can estimate how long you’ll be gone, or even aligning it with a commute or other errands you may need to run. We’re all about making it easy for you to make a difference. With the 412 Food Rescue app you have the power in your hands to make volunteering work for you.
”It combines two causes that I am passionate about and it’s nice to choose when to volunteer on my own schedule."
Grace Redifer412 Food Rescue volunteer
Impact
With 412 Food Rescue, you get to witness your impact firsthand. Here is your chance to become introduced to a diverse community of like-minded individuals who share your passion for helping others. You’ll have the chance to meet people from various backgrounds, gain valuable insights into the challenges our community faces, and be a part of the solution.
”I enjoy driving around as a way to relax, so using that joy to also help transport goods where they would otherwise be wasted seemed like a no brainer."
Liz Haeckler412 Food Rescue volunteer
We welcome you to become part of this strong community of environmentally conscious humans. The impact of rescuing food and addressing food insecurity has ripple effects that extend far beyond the immediate moment. Each food rescue you are involved in is a step towards creating a more equitable and just society.
Connection
Start forging connections with likeminded people who share your values and aspirations. Also, feel free to bring a friend along to share in the experience! Volunteering with a buddy can amplify your impact by putting the proverbial bug in their ear to consider continuing to serve the community, and create unforgettable memories as you work side by side to make a difference.
”I enjoy the opportunity to see around the city and it is a social contribution I feel capable making."
Clayton Schuman412 Food Rescue volunteer
Professional Growth
Need another reason? In a 2016 study by Deloitte, 82% of hiring professionals said they would be more likely to choose a candidate with volunteer experience on their resume. 85% even said they are willing to overlook other résumé flaws when a candidate includes volunteer work on a resume.4 Why? To employers, volunteerism is an indicator for leadership skills, open-mindedness, access to diverse perspectives, and an ability to communicate with non-like-minded individuals.
Beyond fulfilling service hour requirements set by schools, workplaces, and extracurricular organizations, volunteering can help grow soft skills imperative to any workplace, and make you stand out during your next career move.
We are creating a network of changemakers, all thanks to you!
Get Involved:
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Download the 412 Food Rescue app to start volunteering
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Donate to our mission
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Join us at the Good Food Project
Tag us on socials, share this opportunity with friends, spread the word!
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https://pittsburghpa.gov/dcp/food-access-programs#:~:text=One%20in%20five%20Pittsburgh%20residents,live%20a%20healthy%2C%20active%20life
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https://www.drawdown.org/solutions/reduced-food-waste
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https://www.bhf.org.uk/what-we-do/news-from-the-bhf/news-archive/2023/august/gen-z-most-likely-to-gift-time
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https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/us/Documents/us-deloitte-impact-survey.pdf
