Athens Food Rescue Works to Address Food Waste and Food Insecurity
New Fund at FAO Will Support the Fight Against Hunger in Athens County
Nelsonville, OH – In the United States, 1 in 6 people are food insecure – that means they don’t know where their next meal will come from. Athens County is the most food insecure county in Ohio, with 20.4% citizens suffering from food insecurity, compared to the national average of 14% and the state average of 16%. These statistics serve as a call to action to address food insecurity in our communities; Athens Food Rescue is working locally to do just that.
Athens Food Rescue works to address food insecurity in Athens County and surrounding communities. To further this work, Athens Food Rescue has partnered with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO) to create the Athens Food Rescue Fund in an effort to grow the dollars that fuel their mission and to help sustain their work.
Athens Food Rescue is an all-volunteer group that aims to bridge the gap in our food system by increasing food waste diversion. They do this by collecting leftover and unused food from partners and immediately transporting it to local food pantries and other charities that serve those impacted by food insecurity. Athens Food Rescue partners with businesses, both corporate and local, in the Athens area, including Piggly Wiggly, Chipotle, Athens Bread Co., Zoe, and many others.
The Athens Food Rescue works tirelessly to ensure excess food plays a role in making sure families don’t go to bed hungry. The United States benefits from a surplus of food, but the work of volunteers at groups like Athens Food Rescue ensures this bounty helps families in need rather than landing in the trash.
“Athens is the most food insecure county in Ohio. We knew that we couldn’t sit idly by watching people suffer – we needed to put a plan into action to address the need,” said Teresa Curtiss, the executive director of Athens Food Rescue. “We work with local businesses to divert food waste while providing food to people in the community. By creating a fund with FAO, we will be able to grow resources to execute our mission while expanding the communities we are able to serve.”
Athens Food Rescue invites others in the community to join the fight against food insecurity and waste by investing in the Athens Food Rescue Fund. Gifts to the Athens Food Rescue Fund are tax deductible and can be made in many ways, including cash, bequests, and life insurance. Donations can be made online by designating the Athens Food Rescue Fund when donating. To mail your donation, please designate the Athens Food Rescue Fund and mail to PO Box 456, Nelsonville, Ohio 45764.
To learn more about Athens Food Rescue and how you can get involved, please visit http://www.athensfoodrescue.com/. If you would like to learn more about how to support the local community closest to your heart and to address food insecurity locally and throughout Appalachian Ohio, please visit www.AppalachianOhio.org or call 740.753.1111.
About the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio
The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO) is a regional community foundation serving the 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio. A 501(c)(3) public charity, the Foundation creates opportunities for Appalachian Ohio’s citizens and communities by inspiring and supporting philanthropy. For more information about FAO, visit www.AppalachianOhio.org.
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