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Waste not want not: How one organization is eliminating hunger, empowering people and rescuing food
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Did you know that Americans throw away, on average, one pound of food per day for every man, woman, and child in this country? That adds up to 27% of our available food supply being dumped right into the trash every day! That statistic should be pretty sobering when you consider these statistics:
- The World Health Organization estimates that one-third of the world is considered well-fed, one-third is under-fed, and one-third is starving.
- Every year 15 million children die of hunger.
- One is twelve people worldwide is malnourished, including 160 million children under the age of five.
Now, let's look locally - today, 11% of households are hungry or at risk of being hungry. Fortunately, there are organizations working to eliminate the vast amount of food wasted in America. Second Helpings is one such organization. Second Helpings, Inc. accepts donations of perishable and overstocked food that are then used to prepare meals for thousands of men, women and children and then distributed free of charge through local social service agencies in greater Indianapolis. They are unique in that they are not simply a food pantry, collecting food to pass out, but rather they "rescue" food that would otherwise be wasted. Since 1998, they have rescued over 13 million pounds of food and provided nearly 5.5 million meals. And just as importantly, in addition to providing meals, Second Helpings uses the rescued food to train disadvantaged adults for careers in the culinary field, which helps to eliminate hunger at is source by providing adults with a marketable skill.
Second Helpings is currently in need of monetary donations and volunteers. You can donate money by clicking here. Currently, Second Helpings most urgent food need is adequate protein for children, adults and seniors; therefore, meat, eggs, dairy and beans are greatly needed. Additionally, donations of rice and pasta are always needed.
Second Helpings relies on more than 600 regular volunteers to fulfill their mission. Volunteers help prepare and cook meals and also pick-up and deliver food. To volunteer you can contact Becky Fox at becky@secondhelpings.org or 317.632.2664 ext. 11. Click here to learn more about current available volunteer opportunities.
Second Helpings from Y-Press on Vimeo.
Second Helpings, Inc. video
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