The Leftovers Foundation launched in Lethbridge on July 7, 2023. (Photo: Leftovers Foundation/Jeremy Fokkens Photography Ltd.)

By David Opinko

Food rescue organization opens in Lethbridge

Jul 11, 2023 | 6:07 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A non-profit organization hopes to divert thousands of pounds of edible food from the landfill every year in Lethbridge.

The Leftovers Foundation began operations in city on Friday, July 7, 2023.

Lethbridge City Coordinator Katarina Meyer explains that, using their website and mobile app, they match businesses that have leftover foods up with service providers that help those in need. Volunteers will then deliver the donated food.

“This could be food from grocery stores or bakeries or restaurants that they can no longer sell but is still good food,” said Meyer. “The main point is that it is still good food that is just not able to be sold to the regular customer anymore. This is food that would otherwise be thrown out.”

The Leftovers Foundation launched in 2012 in Edmonton, later expanding to Calgary, Red Deer, and Winnipeg.

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Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the group reports that it has redirected 2,265,296 pounds of food from landfills. So far this year, Meyer reports that the Foundation has already redistributed over 250,000 pounds of food with a goal of hitting one million by the end of 2023.

In recent years, Meyer said more people have had to turn to organizations such as food banks.

“With inflation, I know food banks have seen a steep increase in [demand], so if we’re able to support them through other agencies as well, that can also maybe take a little strain off the food banks,” said Meyer.

One business in Lethbridge has already signed up to become a donor through the Leftovers Foundation. Meyer told LNN that some of agencies that will receive donations include the Lethbridge Food Bank and Interfaith Food Bank, Lethbridge Shelter and Stabilization Centre, Lethbridge Soup Kitchen, and Streets Alive Mission.

Interfaith Food Bank Executive Director Danielle McIntyre said she is excited about the arrival of the Leftovers Foundation.

“Their ability to support our local food agencies by leveraging volunteers and connections with restaurants and retailers will be a great addition to our local food share systems,” said McIntyre.

There are no fees for donors or service agencies. Funding for the Leftovers Foundation primarily comes from private donations and government grants.

For more details, including how to register, go to the Leftovers Foundation’s website.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now

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