People of Charlotte, meet Kim Aprill, Mendy Godman, and Sue Hawes! These three woman are affecting Charlotte's less-fortunate population while supporting sustainability through rescuing food. We are excited to see the impact of this organization and these hard-working women in 2019 and beyond!
Why is Food Connection, Inc, a needed entity in Charlotte?
In the last two months, over 1,000 pounds of freshly prepared meats, vegetables and whole grains fed the Queen City’s hungry instead of feeding local landfills. Food Connection, Inc., an Asheville-based nonprofit, has expanded into Charlotte, and has partnered with area colleges and universities to rescue leftover fresh meals from their dining halls for delivery to local nonprofits who feed the hungry.
How are you connecting hungry households to food that would otherwise be thrown away?
We started the Charlotte Chapter after learning that more than one in three of all Mecklenburg County households with children are unsure where their next meal will come from—nearly double the national average. At the same time, 40% of all food produced in the U.S. ends up in the trash before ever reaching consumers. Food Connection’s goal is to reduce food waste by connecting the dots between those with too much food to those without enough.
“This is a very simple formula that benefits both food donors and food recipients.” Kitchen staff at Queens University, Johnson and Wales University, and Belmont Abbey College packaged all of their overproduced fresh meals and Food Connection has delivered over 1,000 pounds to The Salvation Army Center of Hope, St. John’s Place, and Catherine’s House in Belmont where it is simply reheated and served to their clients.
Testimonial
All participating donor partners thus far are affiliated with Chartwells Higher Education Dining Services. “We are delighted to be part of this program. It’s great to be able to reduce our carbon footprint. Instead of throwing away or composting this perfectly edible food, we can feed those in need,” said Beth Mack, District Registered Dietician with Chartwells.
Upcoming event info!
Food Connection Charlotte will celebrate an official launch party and fundraiser on February 27th at Town Brewing, 800 Grandin Road, Charlotte.
How did Food Connection reach into Charlotte from Asheville?
Food Connection, Inc., is a 501c(3) nonprofit relieves hunger while reducing waste by connecting the dots between those with too much food to those without enough. The Asheville organization began collecting surplus, freshly prepared meals for delivery to those who need it four years ago. In December 2018, Kim Aprill, Mendy Godman, and Sue Hawes founded the Charlotte Chapter of Food Connection, Inc.
For more information and to get involved, go to food-connection.org
Contact: Kim Aprill, Director, Food Connection Charlotte 704-287-0343, foodconnectionclt@gmail.com
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