Unfortunately, food waste happens at every level of the food supply chain. With an estimated 40% of usable food going into a landfill, we know there is enough food available—and that’s where our Food Rescue Hub fills the gap! We connect available surplus with those in need by focusing on rescuing usable surplus from grocery stores, retail markets, wholesalers, and local farms. Then we use our extensive cold storage system to keep food fresh and connect it with the community. Together, our Food Rescue Hub, The Kitchen, and all our partners are creating a stronger, more resilient food system.
Most of our food comes from grocery stores because they always have excess. To cater to buying trends, stores remove imperfect items, products close to their sell-by date, or even food with lightly damaged packaging; that’s where we step in! Our team of staff and volunteers rescue food from grocery stores every day of the week.
While grocery stores and farms provide ongoing food, sometimes we receive special donations. From private orchards to home delivery services, we love the opportunity to disrupt the cycle of food waste in any way we can.
If you’re interested in donating food, please contact Ellen at Operations@SecondChanceFoods.org or fill out our contact form.
Like a CSA box, our signature CSN box program provides weekly deliveries of freshly prepared nutritious meals and groceries such as produce, eggs, dairy, bread, and other perishable staples. Recipients can pick up boxes in a drive-through setting or have them delivered by volunteers from Mount Carmel Bible Church. Launched in April 2020 to support vulnerable neighbors during the pandemic, it quickly proved to be an essential service that continues growing as the need for accessible, alternative hunger relief solutions remains higher than ever.
Cold storage is essential to reducing food waste and increasing access to healthy, nutritious food. The lack of fruits, vegetables, and other perishables in traditional food pantries is often due to limited (or lack of) freezers or refrigerators or the associated costs (energy, staff, space, and more). Not only does this produce waste in the food supply chain, but it reduces the health of people experiencing hunger. We have developed a comprehensive cold storage system that allows food to be picked up when available, stored, and then either cooked into nourishing meals or delivered to our hunger relief partners just before it is provided to those in need. This system eliminates the need for our partners to have on-site storage and enhances both the quantity and quality of food available for those in need.
By cooking multiple times a week with recovered food, we significantly reduce food waste—but our meals are so much more. For individuals and families experiencing food insecurity, mealtime can often feel uncertain or difficult. That’s why we provide more than just nourishment—our delicious, thoughtfully prepared restaurant-quality meals offer comfort, dignity, and stability during challenging times.
Sign Up for our weekly emails to get the latest news, stories, volunteer opportunities, impact, recipes and more! To kick things off you’ll receive our recipe for Roasted Carrot Soup—the first meal we ever made in the kitchen.
Though we wish we could supply food to everyone in need, Second Chance Foods cannot provide meals or groceries directly to individuals. Our solution is to collaborate with existing programs in the community and supplement their food with our meals and groceries. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please refer to our resource page here for our partnerships and local options.
120 Marvin Ave
Brewster, NY 10509
Volunteer Questions contact Volunteer Coordinator Melissa Paladino 845-723-1309
For all other questions please contact us at 845-723-1315
