Produce Rescue is the heart of Food For Free’s work. By rescuing fresh food that might otherwise go to waste, we reduce food waste while guaranteeing access to fresh produce for emergency food programs. By prioritizing fresh fruits and vegetables, our programs address not only hunger, but also nutrition, obesity, and diet-related disease.
- We distribute the food we rescue to 81 food programs in Boston, Cambridge, Chelsea, Medford, Peabody, and Somerville
- In 2011, Food For Free distributed 1,020,000 pounds of food
- The food we collect helps to feed 25,000 people
- Food is usually used in a meal or sent home to a family within 24 hours of collection
Our Produce Rescue drivers collect fresh foods from many sources
- Wholesale distributors
- Grocery stores
- Farms
- Farmers’ Markets
- CSA distribution sites
- Bakeries and other retailers
We can also pick up food from your
- Can drive
- Catered event
- Restaurant
Contact us to find out how to donate food.
We collect donations of:
- Fruit
- Vegetables
- Bread and baked goods
- Dairy products
- Prepared foods
- Frozen meat
Purchasing for the Cambridge Food Pantry Network
For pantries within the Cambridge Food Pantry Network, Food For Free is able to supplement the produce we salvage with purchased produce. The funding for the purchases themselves comes from the City of Cambridge City Food Fund.
Food For Free does a limited amount of purchasing produce for other food programs as well.
