Feeding Others: Outreach and Distribution (F.O.O.D.) is an organization of volunteers passionate about preventing food waste and improving equitable access to food in our local communities. F.O.O.D. focuses on community engagement, education, and empowerment in developing and sustaining mutual aid food pantries and fridges throughout Acadiana. Once pantries and fridges are established and added to the network, F.O.O.D. volunteers rescue and distribute surplus food to locations throughout the network.

Since implementation two years ago F.O.O.D., in partnership with Lafayette Community Fridge, has grown to have relationships with a variety of restaurants, local stores, community organizations, and events (such as Festival International) for surplus food rescue. The organization is now facing the amazing opportunity to expand our reach. In recent months, donations have exceeded fridge and pantry capacity, leading to the need to add more distribution locations to our network.

Food waste is a significant problem both nationwide and locally. Across the country, approximately 40% of food produced is wasted. Much of the estimated 125 to 160 billion pounds of food wasted every year is edible and nutritious, and is only wasted due to issues such as overproduction, processing issues, and overbuying. While billions of pounds of usable food is wasted, approximately 12% of Americans are experiencing food insecurity. This rate is higher (18%) in Louisiana, meaning that more than 800,000 Louisiana residents don’t have access to sufficient food to feed themselves and their families. Adding community fridge/pantry locations on the north side of Lafayette will increase food access for the families in those communities, while also reducing local food waste.

While providing for the immediate need of food for families is an important endeavor, the project will have a broader and more sustainable impact. By engaging the community in establishing and maintaining the fridges/pantries, the project will help to promote community-centric neighborhood networks, increase opportunities for mutual aid, and empower residents to care for each other and their communities.