Volunteer
Volunteering for a “shift” is easy and fun to do. Typically “shifts” only take less than an hour and you get to meet some of the most generous and grateful people.
Don’t have a car or want to help in a different way? E-mail us and we will apply your skills in other ways to help feed those in need in our community.
Our Funders
We have been able to continue our work thanks in part to grants from these foundations. We could not help feed those in need without support from the community!
Janalee Stock has been putting a lot of miles on her car lately for Athens Food Rescue. Stock has been making food deliveries in the Athens area and her efforts have earned her Volunteer of the Month honors.
“Janalee has shown so much perseverance and passion for rescuing food,” said AFR executive director Nanda Filkin. “Her latest haul was nearly 300 pounds.”
Athens Food Rescue matches food donors with food pantries and meal programs in Athens County to feed people who don’t get enough to eat. This puts surplus food into bellies and out of landfills.
“Janalee picks up from a local anonymous donor and delivers all over Athens, including Clem House, United Campus Ministry, The Gathering Place, Amanda House, Goodworks’ Hannah House and others,” explained Filkin. “We are so thankful for Janalee and her focus to spread the donations throughout the community.”
Stock calls Athens Food Rescue a “wonderful organization.”
“Our rule (at home as a child) was don’t take more than we could eat and do not waste food while others suffer,” said Stock. “I love being a member of ARF because I can honor that important life lesson.”
Currently AFR has 10 active volunteers who cover regular shifts. But sometimes these community-minded individuals need a break or are unable to complete a shift.
“We need backup volunteers to help us pick up and deliver food,” Filkin said. “Most shifts take around 30 minutes and require less than a total of 50 pounds of lifting.”
Volunteers must have a driver’s license, proof of car insurance and go through a short training on food safety. They receive a thermometer, reusable bags and a food scale.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please email athensfoodrescue@gmail.com or visit www.athensfoodrescue.com for more information.
Also, donations are welcome with a check to Athens Food Rescue, P.O. Box 1143, Athens, Ohio 45701.
Why participate in food rescue?
Help the Community
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1 in 6 American households are food insecure
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Contributing to Athens Food Rescue helps feed hungry people in Athens with food that would otherwise go to waste
Improve Your Bottom Line
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Reduce waste hauling fees
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Cut costs by developing new waste reduction strategies
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You may be eligible for an enhanced tax deduction
Bolster Sustainability
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Food recovery helps reduce food waste, America’s largest waste stream
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Organic waste emits methane, which is 21 times more harmful than carbon dioxide*
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Source reduction and donating food to feed people are the best ways to reduce food waste
Liability Protection
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The Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Act protects all good faith food donors from liability
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Thousands of businesses, universities, and even the federal government donate surplus food regularly
Learn more about food waste management with these resources:
If you would like to donate to Athens Food Rescue, you can send us a check to:
Athens Food Rescue, P.O. Box 1143, Athens, Ohio 45701
You can also donate to Athens Food Rescue by giving directly to The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio in our name. Gifts to the Athens Food Rescue Fund are tax deductible and can be made in many ways, including cash, bequests, and life insurance. You can find more about how to do this here.