TC Food Justice

TC Food Justice (TCFJ) is a volunteer-driven nonprofit dedicated to tackling food waste and hunger in the Twin Cities by redistributing fresh, unsalable food to those in need. Since our inception in 2016, we have rescued nearly 1 million pounds of high-quality food, diverting it from landfills and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Partnering closely with co-ops, markets, bakeries, and local farmers, TCFJ channels rescued food to 35 hunger relief organizations across neighborhoods served by Eastside Food Co-op. This direct distribution model ensures that food-insecure individuals and families throughout the Twin Cities have regular access to fresh, nutrient-rich food in safe and welcoming environments with minimal barriers to access.

Our Food Rescue Program is a community-driven effort, engaging volunteers and partners from various sectors to deliver fresh produce promptly, often within 30 minutes of pick-up. This immediacy underscores our commitment to ensuring that everyone has access to healthy food regardless of their circumstances.

In addition to redistributing food through established partnerships, TCFJ operates innovative initiatives like the Full Fridge Initiative. This program sets up mini food shelves in non-traditional settings such as clinics and transitional housing buildings, providing convenient access to culturally specific foods and essential groceries.

As we strive to expand our impact, TCFJ faces increasing demand to extend our food rescue operations into new locations and surrounding counties. Despite being entirely volunteer run since our inception, we have made strides in building a sustainable funding base. Currently supported by three part-time employees, we aim to enhance our organizational capacity by securing additional funding for expanded staff hours and programs. This growth will enable us to further our mission of reducing food waste, addressing food insecurity, and strengthening community connections across the Twin Cities.