Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/26/22

Atlanta’s Leading Not-For-Profit Food Rescue Organization Continues to Connect Excess Food to Those in Need

Second Helpings Atlanta was born out of a mission to reduce food waste and feed the hungry. What started as a volunteer initiative at Temple Sinai in 2004, officially incorporated as its own 501C3 in 2012, and remains the city’s leading non-profit organization rescuing healthy, nutritious, surplus food and distributing it to those in need through complex supply chain logistics. By diverting food from landfills and providing it to those in need, Second Helpings Atlanta aims to close the gap on food insecurity and keep refuse out of landfills.

“Our deep knowledge of donation nuances and delivery logistics, along with our carefully cultivated relationships with agencies, uniquely positions Second Helpings Atlanta as the frontline food rescue logistics organization in Atlanta,” said Andrea Jaron, executive director of Second Helpings Atlanta.

Every day, hundreds of volunteer drivers rescue food from more than 80 donors, including grocery stores, corporate kitchens, stadiums and big box retailers, and deliver it to more than 40 homeless shelters, food pantries, domestic violence shelters and other nonprofits across the Atlanta metropolitan area. Second Helpings Atlanta currently rescues on average 80,000 pounds of surplus fresh, perishable food each week, which keeps it out of landfills. With efficiency and sustainability in mind, Second Helpings Atlanta developed a 90- Minute Model designed to allow volunteer drivers to make local food rescues and deliveries in 90 minutes or less.

“Our team of dedicated volunteers are the heart of our organization,” continued Jaron. “Together, we hope to create change by helping people think in new ways about food waste and its societal and environmental impact.”

ABOUT SECOND HELPINGS ATLANTA:
Second Helpings Atlanta is a nonprofit food rescue logistics organization dedicated to reducing hunger and food waste in the metro Atlanta area by rescuing healthy, nutritious, surplus food and distributing it to those in need. For more information, please visit SecondHelpingsAtlanta.org or follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.