Food Rescue US is committed to reducing food waste and food insecurity in America. Using a web-based app, they engage volunteers to transfer excess fresh food from grocers, restaurants, and other sources to social service agencies that feed people experiencing food insecurity. Fortunately for Jubilee Housing, Food Rescue US’ DC Site has been delivering fresh food for residents since 2020.

When asked about the partnership between Jubilee Housing and Food Rescue US, Kate Urbank, the DC Site Director for Food Rescue US said, “What stands out about Jubilee Housing is their graciousness and dedication to getting food to the residents that need it the most.” She remembers Jorge Torres, a member of Jubilee Housing’s property management team and Clara Velasquez, a senior Jubilee Housing resident, receiving food delivered after business hours to make sure families had enough to eat.

In 2020, approximately one-third of Jubilee Housing residents saw a reduction in income due to loss of jobs or hour, leading to an increase in food insecurity. Partnering with Food Rescue US helped Jubilee address some of these food security issues and made a huge difference in the lives of residents.

Last year, Food Rescue US delivered unclaimed CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) boxes from another agency to Jubilee residents on several occasions. In 2021, they are partnering with Sidwell Friends School to deliver fresh, healthy meals to Jubilee residents and Lyon Bakery and Baked By Yael to provide bread and bagels.

“I was thankful to receive challah and desserts through Food Rescue US. It came right in time for the Easter holiday,” said Kara, a long-time Jubilee Housing resident.

Food Rescue US was founded by Jeff Schacher and Kevin Mullins in 2011 to help solve food insecurity and food waste. Since 2011, they have provided 75 million meals and saved 97 million pounds of food from going to waste in landfills. They have offices in 21 states and Washington DC. Food Rescue US was introduced to Jubilee through their partnership with the Potter’s House, a fellow Church of the Savior non-profit organization. When Kate Urbank learned that Jubilee Housing had multiple buildings in the Adams Morgan area she thought, “Wow, this is huge, we can really serve a lot of people!”

And they did. So far Food Rescue US has delivered hundreds of meals and food items to Jubilee Housing residents.

“Jubilee is so thankful for the partnership with Food Rescue US. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they provided fresh fruits, vegetables, protein, dairy, chocolate, breads and other goodies to many Jubilee residents that were experiencing food shortage. Residents continue to be grateful for the high-quality items that they received during this challenging time,” said Dorothy Larimer, Jubilee’s Vice President of Property Management and Development.