The holiday season is a time of abundance, gratitude, and togetherness. It’s a time when families gather around tables to share festive meals, embracing the spirit of giving and connection. Yet, for some in our community, this season can also highlight the challenges of food insecurity. Many families across our region face uncertainty about where their next meal will come from, even as others are fortunate to have more than enough to go around.
In fact, food waste tends to spike during the holidays, with excess meals often ending up in the trash rather than on the plates of those who need it. But here’s the good news – that surplus food presents a meaningful opportunity to make a difference. By reclaiming and redirecting perfectly edible food away from landfills and giving it instead to people in need, we can make strides in reducing our environmental footprint and fostering a more resilient, sustainable community.
Turning surplus food into support
At Project Green Fork (PGF), we are committed to harnessing the power of community to fight food waste. By partnering with local restaurants and businesses, we rescue surplus ingredients and meals, channeling them to local nonprofits like shelters, food pantries, and community centers. These collaborations cut waste and provide nutritious meals to those who need it most.
This year, Clean Memphis is raising funds to provide mini-grants that will facilitate the incredible work of these organizations. The grants will supply essential resources, allowing them to expand their reach, improve their infrastructure, and continue serving our neighbors. Our goal is to raise $5,000, which will fund up to seven grants and ensure that local food rescue efforts are well-equipped to make a lasting impact.
Waste less, give more
When food gets thrown in the trash, so do the resources, time, and effort invested in growing, transporting, and preparing it. Meanwhile, one in five people in Shelby County experience food insecurity. Your support of PGF can help bridge this gap. By contributing to our goals, you are turning leftovers into nourishment, hope, and resilience for families in our community.
Just as food should never go to waste, neither should your donations. Every gift – whether it’s $5 or $100 – makes a tangible impact. Your generosity could mean a warm meal for a family, vital supplies for food rescue initiatives, or educational resources that inspire the next generation to be stewards of sustainability. Every dollar you give becomes part of a larger effort to nourish our community and protect our planet.
A season of thankfulness
This time of year, we’re reminded of the importance of community and generosity. At PGF, we’re grateful for our partners, volunteers, and donors who make our mission possible. Together, we’ve diverted thousands of pounds of food from landfills and provided countless meals to those in need. But there’s still so much more to do.
By supporting PGF, you’re helping to build a future where a more equitable food system is attainable for all. Your donation represents a commitment to sustainability, community resilience, and the belief that everyone deserves access to nutritious food.
How you can join the fight
This season, as you celebrate with loved ones and reflect on what you’re grateful for, we invite you to join us in the fight against food waste. You can turn surplus food into hope, helping us nourish our community and protect our planet.
If you’d like to make a difference this holiday season, consider donating to PGF through the Little Green Light platform. It’s quick, easy, and impactful. Just like the meals we serve, every contribution goes a long way. This season, let’s waste less and give more – because every bite, every meal, and every dollar counts.
