Warehouse collects unused produce and extends its life

The warehouse is part of a programme to collect unsaleable produce and deliver it to people in need

Spotted: US-based Food Forward has created a warehouse distribution system to help the charity deliver more produce and reduce food waste. It also has the potential to substantially cut waste and greenhouse gases.

Food Forward was created in 2009 when founder Rick Nahmias noticed all the fruit going to waste in people’s gardens. Today, the organisation harvests fruit from gardens and collects perishables for farmers as well as wholesalers. The food is then distributed through 1,800 hunger relief agencies.

By collecting and consuming the food instead of pitching it, Food Forward is reducing waste, the organization says. That helps cut down on greenhouse gas being released into the atmosphere.

But the fruits and vegetables spoil quickly, which has limited Food Forward’s reach. The Produce Pit Stop will allow Food Forward to store perishables for longer and ensure vulnerable communities receive what they need. The warehouse will be one link in the organisation’s larger distribution network, according to Food Forward. 

Food Forward won a grant to purchase the facility, which opened on 20 June. It has the capacity to store approximately 125,000 pounds of produce at any given time, according to founder Rick Nahmias.