One in seven New Yorkers struggle with hunger, but the USDA estimates that between 30 to 40 percent of the nation’s food supply is wasted each year.
"It doesn't really make sense that there is hunger and that there is malnutrition when all of this food is being wasted," said Binghamton Food Rescue Founder Christian DiRado-Owens.
That's where Binghamton Food Rescue steps in. Their workers collect excess perishable food from farmers markets and restaurants. Then they redistribute it within 24 hours to community meals or no-cost grocery programs.
"We are an on-the-ground style, just-in-time food rescue. So if there is food immediately that needs to be picked up or produce that is from a source that other organizations can't get to, we can be there just in time to get it, so that's the niche we fill," said DiRado-Owens.
This organization focuses solely on collecting fresh food and produce items.
"Non-perishable foods and processed food items are being circulated, and we don't think that serves the community we'd like to serve," said DiRado-Owens. "We really want to focus on whole food items and produce that are better for increasing nutritional outcomes and promoting personal sovereignty."
Binghamton Food Rescue works to target specific communities in need, like the north side, which is widely considered to be a food desert.
"That means that 70 percent or more of the people living here on the Northside don't have good access to a grocery store and a lot of the options that are available on the north side aren't always the healthiest options," said United Way Health Initiatives Manager Erin Monroe.
The Lee Barta Community Center on the north side is just one of the Food Rescue's several distribution sites.
"A lot of people that we talk to say they do want to eat healthier, they just either can't get the food or they can't afford it all the time," said Monroe.
"We bring the food closer to them, as opposed to them having to go out and walking or taking the bus or going long distances to get fresh food items," said DiRado-Owens.
Organizers are in the process of becoming a certified 501(c)(3), so they can rescue food from large scale grocery stores, too -- eliminating waste and giving it those who need it most.
Organizers say once they can pick up food items from large-scale retailers, there will be no shortage of volunteer opportunities. If you're interested in signing up to volunteer or learning more about food pick-up, you can call the Binghamton Food Rescue at (607) 765-0364 or email them at binghamtonfoodrescue@gmail.com.