2024 Impact Report
〰️ Food is too valuable to waste
〰️ Food is too valuable to waste
Food Stash Foundation has made a significant impact in reducing food waste and improving food access in Vancouver. In 2024, We rescued 1.6 million pounds of surplus perishable food, distributing it through community partners, the Rescued Food Box program, the Rescued Food Market, and a 24/7 Community Fridge. Our efforts have prevented food waste, supported low-income households, and contributed to environmental sustainability.
Our Year at a Glance
38 community partners received 80% of rescued food
Our in-house programs served 450 households with 50% of their food needs
Only 1.8% of rescued food was composted
We are living in unprecedented times of political and economic change, turmoil, and uncertainty. During difficult times like these, community is what keeps us going. Food Stash Foundation is in its 9th year of operations, and we couldn’t be prouder of how far we have come.
We embraced this community and our shared goals at several events in 2024, including the privilege of elevating the issue of food waste to the TEDx stage.
We recognize the temporary nature of our efforts. We rescue food that would otherwise go to waste, but we don't tackle the many root causes of food waste. And we alleviate hunger, but we don't tackle poverty, which is the root cause of food insecurity. We will continue to advocate for policy changes to make food rescue and emergency relief less of a daily necessity.
Food Donors
Our team completed over 80 food pickups
We increased the amount of protein rescued by 5.33% by educating our food donors to freeze these products on or before the best-before date
Added new food donors, including Daiya Foods
Community Partners
1.3 million pounds of rescued food distributed
Supported 38 nonprofit organizations, feeding 11,000+ people weekly
Our partners saved nearly $1 million by working with us
Expanded partnerships to include
Three Links Care Society
Pacific Coast Apartments
Rescued Food Box Program
The Rescued Food Box home delivery program is one of Food Stash's longest-standing programs. With a focus on serving people with low incomes and disabilities or long-term illnesses, our incredible team of staff, volunteers, and partner delivery drivers sort, pack, and deliver rescued perishable food to each member’s home.
112 households served weekly with customized grocery deliveries
Members pay a $10 delivery fee for a box valued at around $100
Before receiving Rescued Food Boxes, 89.4% of members reported they were unable to afford balanced meals. After receiving the boxes, only 34% reported being unable to afford balanced meals.
“Thank you so much for creating this program. It has literally changed my life. Not only am I eating far better and more nutritiously, but my stress levels have become manageable and the weekly arrival of a variety of foods has really helped me to enjoy the experience of cooking and eating again.
I am no longer stressed about balancing my finances and it has calmed my anxiety and depression.”
- RFB member
The Rescued Food Market (RFM) is a low-barrier, weekly market open to everyone. This year, we served 120+ people weekly, using a lottery system for fair membership selection due to high demand, but maintained our $2 per market fee.
Beyond providing food, the market provides a sense of community and dignity, allowing members to choose their own food. As the cost of living continues to rise, the Rescued Food Market plays an important role in fighting food insecurity while reducing food waste, proving that sustainable solutions can also be compassionate ones.
Reasons people visit the Rescued Food Market:
77% because of affordability
67% because RFM combats food waste
59% because RFM is low-barrier and judgment free
Volunteers
To show appreciation, we hosted a summer volunteer event at Strathcona Community Garden Eco Pavilion, bringing people together to celebrate their contributions. The dedication of volunteers continues to be a driving force behind Food Stash Foundation’s mission, proving that community action can create meaningful change in reducing food waste and improving food access.
Looking Ahead
As Food Stash Foundation moves into 2025, the focus remains on expanding impact, increasing food rescue efforts, and strengthening community support. While 2024 saw record-breaking food recovery and distribution, the demand for food assistance continues to grow. Many people in our community face food insecurity, and we know that the vast majority of Vancouver’s surplus edible food is not being rescued. There’s still so much work to do!
Key goals for 2025 include:
Expanding partnerships with food donors and financial supporters to rescue and distribute even more food.
Increasing variety and inclusivity, offering more culturally preferred foods to better meet the needs of diverse communities.
Enhancing public education and advocacy, raising awareness about food waste and food insecurity while pushing for systemic change.
Collaborating with organizations to share resources, strengthen impact, and work towards long-term solutions.
By scaling efforts and fostering collaboration, Food Stash aims to transform Vancouver’s food system, moving beyond emergency food relief to a more sustainable, just, and food-secure future for all.