Echo Food Rescue is tackling food waste and food insecurity head-on by rescuing surplus food from local businesses and redistributing it to individuals and families in need. Based in Lacombe, Alberta, the initiative ensures that food that would otherwise be discarded is redirected to nourish the community, reducing environmental impact while fostering sustainability and social equity.
Since 2022, Echo Food Rescue has recovered and redistributed nearly 500,000 pounds of food, preventing it from ending up in landfills and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. By mitigating 278 metric tons of CO₂e and 2.04 metric tons of methane emissions, the program has significantly reduced the environmental footprint of food waste. Surplus food is distributed through community food events, direct outreach, and partnerships with local nonprofits, ensuring it reaches families, seniors, and newcomers facing food insecurity. Additionally, non-consumable food is repurposed for animal feed, supporting a circular economy that maximizes the value of rescued food.
