Food Sources

Collecting Food

Millions of Americans don’t have access to enough food. Yet, up to 40 percent of the food produced in the United States goes to waste. Much of this food is edible, but it doesn’t make it to people’s plates for a number of reasons: there’s little time left until the “sell by date”, the nutrition label is printed incorrectly, the packaging is damaged, fruits and vegetables are oddly shaped, and many others. As Greater Hartford’s regional food bank, Foodshare connects sources of this surplus food to the local programs that provide it to families, children, seniors, and others in need of assistance.

Nearly all of the food Foodshare distributes is donated, with most coming from the food industry. By donating edible but unsalable food to Foodshare, businesses are able to help reduce food waste and make a difference in the lives of our neighbors who worry about having enough food.

“Because of the Connecticut Food Industry, people don’t have to make the decision between medicine and food.”

- Noel McGregor, Grace Seventh-Day Adventist Pantry in Hartford

Foodshare continues to seek out new avenues of safe and healthy food for our neighbors. This includes an innovative program to rescue food from local grocery stores. Learn more about Retail Rescue >