USA. Pittsburgh International Airport and Fraport Pittsburgh are collaborating with food recovery organisation 412 Food Rescue in a project designed to end food waste. The partners said one in seven people in the USA is “food insecure” and over 40% of food produced ends up in landfills.
Pittsburgh-based 412 Food Rescue is committed to fighting food waste and hunger. The organisation has rescued over 4 million pounds of food, representing more than 3.5 million meals.
Pittsburgh International and Fraport USA are supporting its efforts through twice-weekly donations of food collected from airport retailers including Starbucks, Hudson News, The Strip Market, Dunkin’ Donuts, Auntie Anne’s, Chick-fil-A, Bruegger’s, TGI Friday’s and Cinnabon.
412 Food Rescue volunteers will ensure the food is distributed throughout local communities.
412 Food Rescue co-founder and CEO Leah Lizarondo said: “Food waste is a moral problem when so many of our neighbours are going hungry. We are excited to work with Pittsburgh International Airport and Fraport Pittsburgh in their sustainability efforts and goal to ensure that viable food does not go to waste.”
Allegheny County Airport Authority Chief Commercial Officer Eric Sprys added: “We are committed to 412 Food Rescue’s mission to help end food waste in the greater Pittsburgh region. The organisation was founded in response to the disconnection between food waste, hunger, and environmental sustainability. It is an honour to join their crusade with our retail partners in bringing food to those experiencing food insecurity in local communities.”
Fraport USA President and CEO Ben Zandi said: “412 Food Rescue’s innovative distribution model bridges the last mile, impacting access and food security at a local level. This type of forward-thinking organisation enriches lives and communities. We thank our operators for their support and working to be part of the solution.”
Pittsburgh International Airport Senior Analyst of Strategic Activities Samantha Stedford said the airport would be able to repurpose excess food that would likely end up in a landfill.
“Partnering with 412 Food Rescue is one way we’re supporting the community we serve,” Stedford said. “We’re proud to be part of this programme that provides food security to community members who might otherwise go hungry.”
NOTE: The Moodie Davitt Report also publishes The Foodie Report, the world’s only media focused on airport (and other travel-related) food & beverage. The Foodie Report e-Newsletter is published every two weeks and The Foodie Report e-Zine every month.
Please send all news of food & beverage outlet openings, together with images, menus, video etc to Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com to ensure unrivalled global exposure. The company also organises the annual Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) Conference & Awards. This year’s FAB took place on 20-21 June in Helsinki.
