Second Chance Foods, founded in 2016, aims to break the cycle of food waste and addresses food insecurity by recovering nutrient-dense food from local sources, providing it to organizations that address hunger. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit utilizing thoughtful community partnerships and programs, they work to fill the gaps in local hunger relief. A processing program was added in the summer of 2017 which creates nourishing and delicious meals from recovered food. This effort started as a way to extend the shelf life of local farm produce, but quickly rose to fill a significant need. 

“Food is a fundamental need,” asserts Kathryn LaCombe, Second Chance Foods’ kitchen manager, “and we have the opportunity to feed the hungry using rescued resources. This intersection of rescue and resources is lifesaving for our neighbors and the planet.”

The public can be involved by making a donation, volunteering time and always staying informed of the organization’s efforts. Volunteers are central to connecting so much food with the community. Such opportunities vary from helping in the kitchen (prepping, cooking, cleaning) to packaging boxes of fresh food and groceries to deep cleaning and assisting with pickup/deliveries. There are also incredible seasonal opportunities such as gleaning at farms or picking apples at local private orchards.

Board President Jason Kofman shares, “We are so grateful to have over seven years of growth in our work. This year alone we are on track to make over 91,000 nourishing meals and rescue and redistribute close to 307,000 pounds of fresh groceries!”