Second Helpings Atlanta's 2021 by the Numbers
Friday, February 18th, 2022
When the pandemic handed out lemons, Second Helpings Atlanta (SHA) drove them to 112 partner agencies that feed the hungry in 2021 alone. In doing so, the city’s leading non-profit food rescue organization also diverted it from landfills.
With 25% of Atlantans living more than a half-mile from fresh food, SHA aims to close the gap on food insecurity and keep refuse out of landfills.
“No one should have to choose between paying a bill and feeding their families,” said Andrea Jaron, executive director of SHA. “Last year we rescued record numbers of food, distributed it to even more partner agencies and expanded our model to include meal kit distribution.”
In 2021, SHA grew and expanded with more volunteers, donors and partner agencies. The organization forged strategic partnerships and started gearing up for “Full Plates, Full Hearts,” a major fundraiser honoring Liz Blake and Sheri Labovitz scheduled for Monday, August 29 at Mercedes Benz Stadium.
2021 by the numbers:
- SHA rescued 3,793,661 pounds of food valued at more than $6.79 million dollars. (Food Rescue US values one pound of food at $1.73.) That is over 3.7 million pounds of food diverted away from landfills and into the hands of those in need.
- SHA staff and volunteers spent over 11,000 hours rescuing surplus food. That’s over 500 days dedicated to reducing food waste and increasing food security, which is valued at over $340,000. (Independent Sector values an hour of volunteer work at $28.54). ⠀
- The organization worked with 115 food donors, picking up surplus food from grocery stores, restaurants, corporate kitchens, stadiums, schools and other food rescue opportunities across Atlanta.
- Through its 90-minute model, 327 volunteers drove food rescue routes efficiently and on their own time. In 2021 alone, that meant volunteers drove over 7,500 times exemplifying SHA’s philosophy of neighbors helping neighbors.
- Every Wednesday since August, SHA volunteers have gathered in the Jefferson Street warehouse to assemble and pack 2,000 HelloFresh meal kits containing healthy and nutritious recipes. As part of its Meals With Meaning program, this strategic partnership aims to deliver 400,000 meals by the end of 2022.
- SHA provided food to 112 partner agencies -- ranging from food pantries to after-school programs and shelters -- with feeding programs across Atlanta.
