It’s estimated that 50% of food in America ends up being wasted. These groups make sure local, healthy food is saved and redistributed to reduce hunger and food insecurity.
Long Beach Food Hero
Our volunteer website connects you to volunteer opportunities in food distribution, food banks and food pantries, as well as ways to volunteer in local urban farms and community gardens.
Food Finders
Regional food rescue program dedicated to feeding people in need, working with local schools and organizations. To volunteer or donate visit foodfinders.org
Food Forward
Their “Glean Team” collects boxes of fresh produce from local farmers markets to donate to direct-service agencies. More info at FoodForward.org
LB Community Table
Local non-profit cooperative grows, rescues, and re-distributes fresh produce throughout the city to those in need, no questions asked. Recipients also are encouraged to pay it forward by volunteering with the organization.
LBCommunityTable.com
North LB Crop Swappers
This group meets monthly on the first Saturday at 6509 Gundry Ave to swap excess produce from home and community gardens. The swaps are sponsored by Kaiser Heal Zone. More locations coming soon! Visit their Facebook group.
Food Banks and Pantries
Many food banks and pantries in Long Beach regularly accept food donations, and many of the organizations above work directly with them. Some of the most well known services are at St Luke’s, Beacon for Him Ministries, The Long Beach Rescue Mission, and First Congregational Church. Long Beach Fresh has been hard at work to inventory all 100+ of them, and provide current information on our Local Food Map.
Map of Hunger Assistance