Food for Free

MISSION The mission of Food for Free is to reduce the incidence of hunger, while preventing the waste of valuable food. DESCRIPTION Established in 1981, Food for Free (FFF) has grown from a small volunteer effort into a comprehensive, efficient and consistent food rescue program. FFF identifies and recaptures safe, nutritious food that would otherwise be discarded and distributes it to those in need. Additionally, they work closely with food donors, recipients and the general public to increase the awareness of hunger and its fundamental causes. Food For Free’s daily operations—gathering up and delivering food to nearly forty agencies—closely corresponds to the education process they are involved in—gathering information about the cultures, needs and wants of the people we serve and delivering that back to the farmers, wholesalers and grocers who provide the food. The Field of Greens program was founded in 1991 when FFF acquired its own organic farm in Lincoln, Mass. Volunteers prepare soil, plant, weed and harvest the crops. Collard greens, kale, and other vitamin dense foods are grown specifically to meet the needs of low-income residents. IMPACT Each year hundreds of bushels are distributed from Field of Greens to local meal programs and pantries.