Rescuing Leftover Cuisine (RLC) is a non-profit organization with the mission to reduce and prevent the wasting of edible food. The organization is based in New York City and provides solutions and consultations in order to eliminate food waste while simultaneously fighting hunger. RLC operates programs that provides services such as food waste consulting, excess food delivery, co-branding services, and tax credit assistance.
Food Tank had the opportunity to speak with Robert Lee, Chief Executive Officer of Rescuing Leftover Cuisine.
Food Tank (FT): How do you contribute to creating a better food system?
Robert Lee (RL): Rescuing Leftover Cuisine creates a food system where excess, unsold food does not get thrown away and instead is used to feed people. Whether it is at farms, factories, wholesalers, retailers, restaurants, or catering companies, Rescuing Leftover Cuisine can help to make the food system more efficient.
FT:What is a project, program, or result you are most proud of? Please explain.
RL: We have been able to expand to ten different cities across the United States within 10 months of having our first full-time hire. The number of pounds of food rescued and the types of food rescued is increasing rapidly and becoming much more nutritionally diverse, and we have been able to save tens of thousands of dollars for our homeless shelters and soup kitchens we work with.
FT: What are your goals for 2015 and beyond?
RL: By the end of 2015, we hope to expand our reach to the rest of the United States and rescue a quarter of a million pounds of food. Our organization is only two years old and we are growing tremendously.
FT: In one sentence, what is the most important thing eaters and consumers can do today to support a more sustainable food system?
RL: To support a more sustainable food system, eaters and consumers at every meal should think twice about food waste they contribute to because composting or rescuing food are much better alternatives and can be easy to do.
FT: How can individuals become more involved in your organization?
RL: Individuals can visit our website at www.rescuingleftovercuisine.org and reach out to us about donating your old car, starting a new branch, or supporting us in a different way!
Download the 2015 Good Food Org Guide HERE.
