MassLive recently reported on Boston-based food rescue organization Lovin’ Spoonfuls’ plan to expand operations to Western Massachusetts. The organization is currently raising funds and building partnerships with area organizations in order to facilitate expansion to the greater Springfield area, which has one of the highest rates of child food insecurity in the state. Lovin’ Spoonfuls collects surplus food from donors such as grocery stores, restaurants, and farms using refrigerated trucks, and delivers it to organizations that serve food-insecure populations, such as homeless shelters, food pantries, senior centers, soup kitchens, and after-school programs.

Lovin’ Spoonfuls has redistributed fresh, healthy food to Boston-area beneficiary organizations since 2010; they expanded in 2016, extending service to Framingham and surrounding communities. Each week, the organization’s staff collects approximately 65,000 pounds of food from donors and delivers it to 150 beneficiary organizations. This food is safe for human consumption, and makes use of “misfit” produce, dairy nearing its sell-by date, and other imperfect foods that would otherwise go to waste.

Lovin’ Spoonfuls is currently working to secure additional funding to support expanded operations across the state. The organization is partnering with Big Y, the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, and others to build a strong network of donors and beneficiary organizations in the Springfield area.

RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts assists businesses and institutions with recycling, reuse and food waste diversion. RecyclingWorks offers guidance on source reduction and food donation. RecyclingWorks also 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 recycling and waste diversion expert, call our hotline: (888) 254-5525 or email us at info@recyclingworksma.com.