Of the food is wasted in the U.S.
Of the population New Jersey lives in food insecurity
Of the children live in food insecurity in New Jersey
Share My Meals is a non-profit organization run by volunteers that aims to alleviate hunger and food waste in the Princeton area. We work with local entities seeking to curb the environmental impact of food waste by providing their excess inventory to people in need. Our organization connects these two realities and creates a positive outcome for our community and our environment.
The Share My Meals Waste Watcher Program is a sustainable meals recovery process, approved by the local health department, that distributes surplus meals from the cafeterias of local corporations, schools, universities, and restaurants to food-insecure members of the community. Our efforts are aligned with broader national initiatives, including government programs and regulations which provide clarity and incentives for corporations which aim to reduce food waste.
During the pandemic, Share My Meals has adapted its operations to launch the Share My Meals Covid-19 Program. By purchasing meals from local restaurants at the cost of goods, Share My meals has been able to help the food insecure community while allowing the restaurants to stay active and paying part of their staff members. In 2020, thanks to the amazing support of four partner restaurants, our team of 40 motivated volunteers, and more than 300 generous donors, we have been able to deliver more than 36,000 healthy meals directly to the home of the 105 families enrolled in our program.
As our workload has considerably increased, we have decided to launch a Share My Meals Community Inclusion Program aiming to incorporate in our daily operations the talents and skills of people from the community who have lost their jobs. This program will help members get back to an active life while contributing to creating a true Share My Meals Movement which will involve the entire Princeton community.
Share My Meals is a 501 (c) 3, incorporated in NJ, that serves the food insecure people of the Princeton community regardless of their ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, disability, age, or faith.