302 Food Rescue Crew Spotlight: Joe

February 15, 2023

Like many of our volunteers, Joe is retired. “When I retired last year, it was my goal to volunteer,” said this Bear-area resident. Through a volunteer stint at a Food Bank of Delaware mobile pantry held at Dover Downs, he learned about the 302 Food Rescue when our President and CEO Cathy Kanefsky spoke to the volunteer team about the program.

The 302 Food Rescue is relatively new; it’s a  collaboration between the Food Bank of Delaware and the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association coupled with sponsorship by Bayhealth.  Launched in November during a small ceremony outside the Milford Food Lion, this initiative is designed to help reduce food waste and feed more people through technology. A smart phone app, 302 Food Rescue, connects volunteers – the 302 Food Rescue Crew – with fresh, nutritious food from grocery stores, caterers, farms, hotels, and restaurants.

The volunteer delivers to statewide organizations that serve food-insecure individuals. Through the app, volunteers can receive alerts, select time and dates to participate, as well as driving distance.

“I enjoyed working at the mobile pantry; I was impressed by the organization,” Joe said. So, he downloaded the app, and the rest is history. During the month of December, Joe completed five rescues and delivered 1,295 pounds of food.

“I wish more people would get involved,” he added.

To learn more about this new program, visit www.302FoodRescue.org or download the free app, 302 Food Rescue today.