Haven's Harvest mission is to address the conundrum of foodwaste and food insecurity. Food waste is 22% of what is in landfills in the US- and it is a considerable producer of greenhouse gases. Food insecurity is a significant issue in New Haven County at 12.9%- which is a bit higher than the food insecurity rate in Hamden at 12%, while 39% of families with children struggle to put food on the table. The obstacles to food recovery have been the lack of community partners able to accept food and transportation for the food from donor to those sites. We have a growing network of volunteers ready to use their vehicles and a few minutes of their time to reduce food waste and get folks fed. 

The project of the expansion in Hamden requires a hands-on person in the Hamden area- meeting with business owners and creating relationships with community partners- such as faith communities, social service agencies, schools, daycare centers, a senior day center or residential sites. Matching the time, type and amount of food donation to the community site is an art crafted by conversation and care. 

Our experience is that business owners are generous and want to not waste their excess food-  but the time and energy needed to get food into hands of community members is daunting. We are able to offer flexiblilty around donations times and amounts because of our committed volunteers who watch the app for new runs that fit their schedules.