After a year of preparation, food rescue organization Lovin’ Spoonfuls launched their first delivery in Hampden County last month. The Boston-based organization feeds hungry people by collecting surplus edible food from local businesses and institutions and delivering it to shelters, food pantries, and other groups that serve food-insecure populations across the state. Lovin’ Spoonfuls has rescued over 13 million pounds of food since 2010, and is working to serve all of Massachusetts. MassLive recently reported on the organization’s expansion into Hampden County.

This additional route will rescue 8,000 to 10,000 pounds of food each week from restaurants, farms, and supermarkets such as Big Y. Lovin’ Spoonfuls has established partnerships with 17 recipient organizations in Western Massachusetts so far, including Gandara Mental Health Center in Springfield, Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Inc. in South Hadley, A Family Place in Holyoke, and Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen and Pantry in Chicopee. All of the donated food is safe for human consumption, and helps divert wasted food from disposal while contributing to hunger relief efforts.

RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts (RecyclingWorks) helps businesses and institutions establish and maintain successful food donation programs. RecyclingWorks offers guidance on food donation and partnered with the Harvard Food Law and Policy Clinic to create legal fact sheets on date labeling, liability protections, and tax incentives for food donation in Massachusetts. To speak to a food waste expert and learn more about our no-cost assistance, call our hotline: (888) 254-5525 or email us at info@recyclingworksma.com.