RR: Tell me a bit about Leftovers YEG – what is your main goal?
DH: To reroute items that are otherwise completely safe and tasty from being thrown out due to misconceptions, blemishes and a lack of access.
RR: What do you need from the community to make this venture successful?
DH: Volunteers, get involved at www.rescuefood.ca . Come out to events and lend support to change policy locally, provincially and federally. Also, stay tuned for a sweet YouTube channel on how to cook smart and make batches of food that are easy to reheat and use with no waste.
RR: Who are the agencies that are currently involved?
DH: We have a handful of key partners in the community now, and will be gladly joining up with others as the volume of donations rise. Agencies in the same vein as Bissell are what we target. We will be updated our partnership list Jan 1!
RR: How does a restaurant or retailer get involved with this initiative?
DH: Drop me a line at [email protected] and my team will get everything going.
RR: What does a volunteer shift look like?
DH: It looks like whatever you can do. You drop us a line and we plug you in where it works. If your schedule doesn’t work for our routes we put you on a waiting list and plot it out as soon as we can.
RR: What are the requirements to be a volunteer?
DH: We have a simple application process to ensure we cover all the basis for health and safety requirements and you must have all your proper vehicle insurance, licensing etc. There is also a super serious waiver. Because saving the world sometimes requires fearless folks!
RR: Where do we go to sign up?
DH: www.rescuefood.ca and follow the links!
RR: How can we help get the word out?
DH: Share us on social media and tell everyone you know. A great idea only requires a handful of passionate people to catch fire.
So there you have it folks! A simple way to make a difference in your own community and help make some full bellies while making our city a better place to live. Win/win!
Please do help spread the word, tell your friends about this great organization. Volunteer to take a delivery route, show up and lend a hand, there is lots to be done!
Watch The Edmonton Muse events page for listings when LeftoversYEG has events.