SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Cultivate Food Rescue announced they've hit a milestone this year, having rescued 10 million pounds of food since its founding in 2016.

"Since opening our 22,000-square-foot cold storage facility in June 2024, we've increased our food rescue efforts exponentially," said Jim Conklin, Executive Director at Cultivate Food Rescue. "What previously took us nearly seven years to achieve, we're now capable of rescuing in just nine months."

Besides the new storage facility, officials say the recent opening of their volunteer meal packaging facility in Elkhart has also helped propel the organization's growth.

Officials add that when these buildings reach full capacity, Cultivate can provide $47 million worth of nutritious meals annually from excess donated food.

"Every pound of food rescued represents a partnership in action," stated Conklin. " From the businesses that choose donation over disposal and the volunteers who transport and package meals, to the pantries and schools that distribute them and the financial donors and dedicated staff powering it all– this milestone belongs to everyone who has joined us in our mission."

You can learn more about Cultivate's dedication to eliminating hunger and food waste here.