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From Excess to Access: Join Cape Cod’s Food Rescue Efforts

Image of food from community gardens being donated to local agencies.
Join Cape Cod’s Food Rescue Efforts.

Grown by the community, for the community, the Everyone Eats Cultural Community Garden at Faith Assembly of God Church in Hyannis grows excess produce of cardoon, savory, eggplant, jalapenos, cucumbers, parsley, basil, and cilantro. This produce is generously shared with the Hyannis Public Library, who then distributes the donated harvest, along with recipes, food preparation, and storage instructions, with library patrons in need of fresh food. This community collaboration is one example of the food rescue efforts already underway in Barnstable County thanks to the the coordinated efforts of Barnstable County Government staff and local stakeholders.

To promote food rescue efforts on a larger scale, Barnstable County’s Cape Cod Cooperative Extension and the national food recovery nonprofit, Food Rescue US, are working together to reduce food waste and encourage donations of excess harvests to food pantries and social service organizations in the region. The partnership’s goal is to reduce both hunger and food waste by rescuing excess food from restaurants, hotels, farms, markets, and other local businesses, and divert it to organizations who are able to distribute to those most in need.

Are you a local food provider who would like to ensure their excess food goes to those who need it most instead of the landfill? We can help arrange that!

Are you interested in becoming a food rescuer who volunteers by picking up unwanted food and delivering to organizations in your area who can use it? Let’s talk!

To be a food donor or food rescuer contact Andrea Marczely at andrea.marczely@capecod.gov or (508) 375-6944.