Waste Not Celebrates 35 Years of Food Rescue

In 1987, words like “sustainability,” “landfill reduction,” and “food rescue” were not part of the national conversation the way they are now. Waste Not was founded by a group of people who realized just how much edible food was going to waste. That was the start of one of the oldest food rescue organizations in the U.S. which works to transform a broken system by connecting tens of thousands of Arizonans with quality food that would otherwise go to waste. Since then, Waste Not has diverted more than 100 million meals from landfills to the plates of struggling families and individuals, including 3.5 million meals in 2021 alone.

As it celebrates this 35th anniversary, Waste Not also announces the appointment of Hillary Bryant as Director. A graduate from Northern Arizona University with a B.S. in Public Health, Bryant has spent the last 15 years in the nonprofit sector as a fierce advocate for underserved populations. Bryant joined Waste Not in 2020 as Community Engagement Manager.

“I have so much respect for the vision and legacy of Waste Not in terms of feeding people in need of food assistance and its role in making our community more environmentally sustainable,” notes Bryant. “I’m excited to help this organization continue to take a leadership role in both areas.”

As Waste Not celebrates this milestone, the organization is encouraging supporters in the community to donate $35 (or more) at https://www.wastenotaz.org.

About Waste Not

Waste Not is an Arizona nonprofit dedicated to creating sustainable food systems that help people and the planet flourish. For 35 years, Waste Not has been reimagining and reinventing the food rescue process in Arizona. Each year, 40% of food is thrown away, and at the same time, nearly 1 million people in Arizona are struggling with food insecurity. We’re transforming this broken system by connecting tens of thousands of Arizonans with quality food that would have otherwise gone to waste. Our team of professional drivers and food rescue volunteers collect fresh food from local food businesses such as catering companies, resorts and event venues, and deliver that food same day to nonprofits who provide critical community services, such as housing and employment assistance. Last year, Waste Not rescued nearly 3.5 million meals. By reimagining what’s possible for food rescue, we’re making our community and our planet healthier. www.wastenotaz.org