#United States #Food Recovery Network #Brainerd #Central Lakes College

Significant Milestones in Food Recovery

In a remarkable achievement, the Food Recovery Network (FRN) has successfully delivered over 58,000 pounds of surplus food to the community of Greater Brainerd, Minnesota, in less than a year. This initiative, driven in collaboration with Central Lakes Community College (CLCC), underscores the growing commitment to address food insecurity and promote sustainability.

FRN's Efforts at Central Lakes Community College

Central Lakes Community College, one of the first five community colleges awarded grants from FRN, has made significant strides in local food recovery efforts. As highlighted by Regina Harmon, Executive Director of FRN, two-year community colleges often serve regions that face heightened food access and waste disparities. “By establishing chapters in community colleges, we aim to make food recovery initiatives more impactful and accessible to those in need,” she stated.

This past school year, CLCC has mobilized substantial resources to collect and distribute surplus food effectively. Erich Heppner, the Director of Student Life at CLCC, praised the partnership with FRN as revolutionary. He noted that not only has the college facilitated the recovery of fresh produce, but they have also engaged students in meaningful work that directly contributes to alleviating food insecurity in their community.

Expanding Community Engagement and Impact

As FRN gears up for its second year of community college initiatives, Central Lakes Community College is also preparing to expand its outreach further. There is considerable excitement surrounding the second national cohort, with the deadline for grant applications approaching.

Beyond CLCC, six other colleges in Minnesota, including Bemidji State University and the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, are actively contributing to the food recovery movement. In the past year, these colleges collectively recovered over 60,000 pounds of surplus food, showcasing a state-wide commitment to the fight against hunger.

In addition, FRN has recently launched an elementary school produce distribution initiative in the greater St. Paul area. This program, which receives support from Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy, focuses on delivering free, fresh surplus produce to Title 1 elementary schools to nurture young children and families impacted by economic hardships.

The Bigger Picture

The Food Recovery Network is committed to addressing not only immediate food needs but also the larger issues of food waste and environmental sustainability. With the support of partners like Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation and The Ida and Robert Gordon Family Foundation, their national produce distribution initiative continues to make strides in mitigating hunger and food waste across the U.S.

With such impactful efforts, FRN mobilizes over 8,000 college students, food providers, and local businesses, transforming the landscape of food recovery and sustainability. Since its inception, FRN has successfully recovered more than 22.9 million pounds of food—equating to approximately 19 million meals provided to individuals facing hunger while simultaneously preventing thousands of metric tons of CO2 emissions from entering the atmosphere.

Join the Movement

To further their cause and expand efforts, FRN encourages individuals to join the food recovery movement through donations and volunteer work. By supporting organizations like FRN, communities can help ensure that surplus food benefits those in need rather than going to waste.

For more information about this initiative and how to get involved, visit foodrecoverynetwork.org or donate to support FRN's impactful programs today.