Here’s to Impact: Fighting Food Waste & Hunger in Cincinnati
By Eileen Budo, CEO Last Mile Food Rescue
I’ve been reflecting on how Last Mile Food Rescue is making a difference in Cincinnati – rescuing surplus food, preventing waste, and tackling food insecurity head-on. In 2024, we rescued 4.4 million pounds of food, providing 3.6 million meals while reducing our community’s carbon footprint by 12.7 million pounds. These numbers are great indicators of our impact, but they represent so much more than mere benchmarks.
A Community United
If you were to transport 4.4 million pounds of food in one load, it would fill 20 train cars to maximum capacity. That’s how much food we rescued in 2024, but we didn’t do it all at once. Rather, our incredible Food Rescue Heroes moved this bounty one carload at a time.
Our impact wouldn’t be possible without the food donors and nonprofit partners who make Cincinnati’s food rescue network strong. Businesses like UDF, Kroger, and Tropicana Products choose to lead their businesses with kindness and generosity everyday by taking the time and resources it requires to ensure nutritious food is redirected to local hunger relief efforts rather than landfills.
Meanwhile our nonprofit partners ensure every bit of good food rescued gets distributed to those in need. The Salvation Army accepted over 1,000 deliveries in 2024 while Restoration Christian Church distributed 270,000 pounds of food, and CAIN received over 250,000 pounds across 950 donations. These and 120 other agencies are on the ground every day, accepting donations and immediately redistributing them to those in need.
Taking it Further
The Last Mile Market, a program of Last Mile Food Rescue, is closing the gap in food access by bringing fresh produce and essential groceries directly into Cincinnati’s food deserts — neighborhoods where nutritious food options are limited. In 2024 we ran 151 markets in Avondale and 16 in West Price Hill. Together, these markets distributed 7,800 bags of food in Avondale and 415 bags in West Price Hill – including 60,000 pounds of fresh produce.
In 2025, we expect this effort to grow even further as we continue operating markets in Avondale while expanding our reach into Price Hill.
The Team Behind the Work
Every successful rescue and every delivery made is in thanks to the incredible team who shows up every day to keep the program running.
In 2024 Andrea led the effort to distribute over 8,200 grocery bags. Sherman secured a new refrigerated cargo van, expanding our ability to transport fresh food. Michelle’s dispatch team made sure over 51,000 pounds of food were saved during Christmas week alone.
Beyond logistics, connection matters too. Crystal built new partnerships to extend our reach. Beth shared our story through 27 media features. Ellen helped bring food rescue into more schools through CPS. Their dedication turns ideas into action, making a tangible difference every day.
Starting off 2025 Strong
Our mission to combat food insecurity in Cincinnati continues to grow. In 2025 we are projecting to rescue 5.3 million pounds of surplus food, expanding hunger relief programs across more neighborhoods. With a new van on the road, an expanding network of partners, and an incredible team of Food Rescue Heroes, we’re prepared to serve even more families and strengthen more communities.
Looking Forward with Hope
821 volunteers give their time and energy to this mission. They make each rescue possible, proving that when people come together, real change happens.
As we move forward, we carry the lessons and impact of this year with us. Every meal provided, every rescue completed, every person helped brings us closer to a future where good food feeds people, not landfills.
To every volunteer, donor, partner, and team member—thank you. Your dedication continues to drive this mission forward. As we press further into 2025, we’re building on the momentum you helped create—rescuing more food, serving more families, and strengthening our community together.
Thank you.
