Every day, perfectly good food is thrown away while thousands of Oregonians struggle to put food on the table. It’s a frustrating contradiction — especially when over one-third of food in the U.S. goes to waste (USDA). Food waste isn’t just about tossing leftovers or expired goods; it’s about missed opportunities to nourish families, support sustainability, and make the most of valuable resources!

At FOOD For Lane County (FFLC), reducing food waste and fighting hunger go hand in hand. Through innovative food waste and recovery programs, FFLC rescues food that would otherwise be wasted and ensures it reaches those who need it most.

Food Rescue Express (FREX), the first of its kind in the country, collects prepared meals from large kitchens, like the University of Oregon Dining Halls, before they’re discarded. Over the last decade, UO has prevented 553,480 meals from going to waste (708,455 pounds of prepared food)! These meals, which are still safe to eat, are packaged and redistributed to people facing food insecurity in the community. It’s a simple, yet powerful, way to prevent food waste and provide nutritious meals to those in need.

Another initiative is Fresh Alliance. FFLC partners with local grocery stores to rescue perishables like dairy, produce, and baked goods. While these items may be past their best-by dates, they are still safe to eat. By redistributing them at meal sites and food pantries, FFLC and local partners help families access a variety of healthy foods. In 2024, Fresh Alliance partners donated nearly 1.75 million pounds of food, totaling over 1,366,135 meals!

Efforts like these reduce food waste and contribute to a more sustainable food system.[CC1] [KM2]  As Food Waste Prevention Week approaches, there’s no better time for individuals, families, and businesses to take small steps to reduce food waste!

To learn more about how to get involved at FOOD For Lane County, visit www.foodforlanecounty.org

Over the past decade, Walmart (4 local stores), Albertsons/Safeway (12 local stores), and Market of Choice (4 local stores) have together provided over 8 million meals to individuals and families facing hunger in Lane County.

In 2024, Rays in Oakridge provided 7,065 meals through their Fresh Alliance partnership.
Natural Grocery in Eugene provided 11,538 meals with the Fresh Alliance.

Junction City Grocery Outlet helped provide 24,072 meals to the community in 2024.