412 Food Rescue

What 412 Food Rescue does

412 Food Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, founded in 2015 to address the intersection of food waste, hunger, and environmental degradation. The organization operates a volunteer-powered direct-delivery model that transports surplus food from commercial donors (grocery stores, restaurants, distributors, caterers, urban farms) to nonprofit partners (housing authorities, shelters, community centers, daycare centers) serving food-insecure populations across seven counties in Western Pennsylvania. By 2025 the organization had rescued more than 40 million pounds of food, mobilized a network of 26,000+ volunteers described as the nation's largest volunteer food rescue group, and mitigated over 83 million pounds of CO2 emissions, with a University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work study validating an 88% food security improvement rate among the served population.

The core technology asset is the proprietary Food Rescue Hero mobile application and platform, launched in 2016, which coordinates volunteer pickup-and-delivery through push notifications, route claiming, step-by-step guidance, and live reporting on poundage, meals provided, and environmental impact. The platform has been licensed to 23 partner organizations across 21+ North American cities (including Cleveland, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Northern Virginia, Los Angeles, and Vancouver), serving 60+ counties at the network level and accounting for 190 million pounds rescued and 59,000+ volunteer drivers nationally. Beyond the core app, 412 Food Rescue operates the Good Food Project commercial kitchen and grocery bagging facility at the Food & Energy Hub in Millvale, a Grocery Bagging Program distributing 1,500 lbs weekly to Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh locations, a Home Delivery Program for isolated neighbors, an Upcycled Products line with local breweries, and a seasonal FarmShare produce subscription.

As a tax-exempt nonprofit, 412 Food Rescue does not charge for its core food rescue services. Revenue is generated through individual donations (one-time, recurring, peer-to-peer fundraising, and planned giving), tiered corporate sponsorships (Year-Long Anniversary, Fleet, Event Presenting, Conference tiers ranging from $250 to multi-thousand-dollar flagship packages), merchandise sales, workplace giving, and matching gift programs. Named corporate supporters include Duolingo (2025 Year-Long Anniversary Sponsor), Range Resources, Gordon Food Service, ThermoKing Pittsburgh, Sysco, UPMC Health Plan, Duquesne Light, Eat'n Park, and Giant Eagle. The organization is led by CEO Alyssa Cholodofsky with a staff of approximately 30-50 distributed across operations, partnerships, product/engineering, and advancement, supported by a board of directors and the volunteer base.

Name

412 Food Rescue

Legal name

412 Food Rescue, Inc.

Website

https://412foodrescue.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

412 Food Rescue is a Pittsburgh-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that uses its proprietary Food Rescue Hero app to coordinate 26,000+ volunteers transporting surplus food from donors to nonprofit partners serving food-insecure populations in Western Pennsylvania and 21+ licensed partner cities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Food Rescue and Surplus Food Redistribution Services

NAICS

Community Food Services (62421), Community Food and Housing, and Emergency and Other Relief Services (6242)

akta.pro primary industry

Food Assistance & Food Banks (BPAGAEAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Food Assistance & Safety Nets (In-Kind, Vouchers, Cash Transfers) (BPADAJAA)

Keywords

• Food rescue services
• Volunteer logistics platform
• Food waste reduction
• Surplus food redistribution
• Nonprofit food donation

Headquarters

HQ city

Pittsburgh

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: One-time and recurring financial donations from individuals. Monthly giving program available where donors select recurring donation amounts. Includes peer-to-peer fundraising capabilities.
2. Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate partners provide financial support through various sponsorship tiers including Year-Long Anniversary Sponsors, Fleet Sponsors, Event Presenting Sponsors, and Conference Sponsors. Also includes matching gift programs and neighborhood assistance program contributions.
3. Merchandise Sales: Online shop selling seasonal sponsorships (Bundle Season $760, Fall/Spring/Summer seasons at $250-$260), merchandise, and products supporting the organization.
4. Planned Giving: Legacy giving through IRA contributions, wills, and beneficiary designations. Part of planned giving program for long-term donor relationships.
5. Workplace Giving: Employees can contribute through workplace charitable giving programs. Includes corporate matching gift programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

412 Food Rescue is a nonprofit organization that prevents surplus food from entering the waste stream by mobilizing a network of volunteer Food Rescue Heroes through its proprietary Food Rescue Hero mobile app. The organization connects food donor businesses (grocery stores, restaurants, distributors) with nonprofit partner organizations serving food-insecure individuals, providing rapid real-time last-mile logistics and direct delivery across Western Pennsylvania.

Product overview

412 Food Rescue operates as a technology-enabled food rescue organization with Food Rescue Hero as its core proprietary platform. The platform is available as mobile apps (iOS and Android) and coordinates volunteers to rescue and redistribute surplus food. Supporting programs include the Good Food Project (kitchen prep and grocery bagging), Home Delivery Program, Upcycled Products (brewery collaborations), and FarmShare (CSA program). The organization also offers seasonal corporate sponsorship packages through its shop.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Food Rescue Hero: Proprietary technology platform and mobile app that mobilizes volunteers to transport surplus food to those who need it.
• Good Food Project
• Grocery Bagging Program
• Home Delivery
• Upcycled Products
• Hidden Harvest

Products and services

• Food Rescue Hero Platform Proprietary technology platform and mobile application (iOS and Android) that mobilizes volunteers to transport surplus food to those who can use it. Combines technology, last-mile logistics, and community engagement to create a food recovery and redistribution network. Licensed to 23 partner organizations across 21+ North American cities including Cleveland, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Northern Virginia, Los Angeles, and Vancouver.
• Good Food Project Program located inside the Food & Energy Hub in Millvale that transforms surplus foods into healthy frozen meals and grocery bags. Includes the Zero Waste Kitchen and the Grocery Bagging Program in partnership with Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh. Operates with Leanpath tracking technology and Zero Waste Wrangler composting services.
• Home Delivery Program

Quantifiable outcome

• 88% of served population achieved improved food security
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• DuolingoflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Year-Long Anniversary Sponsor for 2025, celebrating a decade of impact together. Sponsored 412 Day Block Party and Rooted 10-year anniversary dinner event.
• Range ResourcescoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Fleet Sponsor in spring 2025, helping to keep fleet vehicles on the road picking up and delivering fresh, nutritious food across the region.
• Gordon Food ServiceflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Rooted 2025 Presenting Sponsor, helping make the 10-year anniversary celebration dinner a success. Executive Chef Darren Layre participated as VIP chef.
• ThermoKing PittsburghcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Food Rescue Conference Sponsor supporting innovation and learning, helping bring global partners together for two days of sharing food recovery solutions.
• SyscocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSysco leverages resources of wholesome food and committed team members to support 412 Food Rescue's mission, delivering food to where it is needed most in Greater Pittsburgh.
• Duquesne Light CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Hidden Harvest program - employees volunteer in the community addressing food insecurity. Partnership increases employee engagement and encourages team building.
• UPMC Health PlancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUPMC Health Plan supports 412 Food Rescue because its work helps close the food-access gap for vulnerable populations in Pittsburgh, addressing food insecurity as a social determinant of health.
• Eat'n Park Hospitality GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate volunteer projects. Eat'n Park volunteers enjoy projects and find them difference-making.
• Giant EagleflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerFood Donor of the Decade award recipient. Major grocery chain donor partner for surplus food donations.
• The Allegheny Intermediate UnitcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit Partner of the Decade award recipient. Education-focused nonprofit serving the region.
• Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Musicians (Body and Soul)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSince 2015, PSO musicians have helped unload trucks, distribute fresh food into grocery bags, and created Pop-up concerts as trucks make deliveries to larger communities.
• Food Bank of Western PennsylvaniacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for U.S. Open food recovery collaboration. Large-scale effort to feed visitors and recover leftover food.
• Food Rescue Hero Partner OrganizationsflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor23 partner organizations using Food Rescue Hero platform, serving 60+ North American counties. Includes Cleveland, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Northern Virginia, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Erie, and Cincinnati.
• Blueprints (Washington County)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit partner receiving additional grocery bags during holiday season through Grocery Bagging Program expansion.
• Pittsburgh Community Services Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit partner receiving additional grocery bags during holiday season through Grocery Bagging Program expansion in Allegheny County.
• Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerGrocery Bagging Program partner. Over 500 grocery bags packed and loaded onto truck weekly for distribution over various HACP locations.
• New Sun Rising (Moose Lodge owner)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOwns the building housing the Food & Energy Hub in Millvale where Good Food Project operates since 2019.
• Threadbare Cider HousecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCreated 412 City Cider from 2018-2021 using harvested fruits. Upcycled products partnership.
• Velum FermentationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCreated Tomato Tomata Michelada Beer in 2025 featuring rescued tomatoes. Partnership for upcycled product innovation.
• Cinderlands Beer Co / DiAnoia's EaterycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCon Pane partnership featuring rescued bread - collaborated in 2019, 2022, and 2025.
• East End Brewing CompanyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCreated Rescueberry Shake (2019) featuring rescued berries and LOAF beer (2016) featuring rescued bread.
• Strange Roots Experimental AlesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCreated 412 Kvass (2019) featuring rescued bread and Thanksgiving Day Kvass (2019) with rescued bread aged with rosemary and cranberry.
• Millie's Homemade Ice CreamminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCreated Banana Pudding (2018) featuring rescued bananas and Lemon Mulberry Reserve (2017) featuring harvested mulberries.
• Wigle WhiskeyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCreated FORAGED pommeau (2016) featuring harvested apples and crabapples.

Scale indicators16 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• FoodCloud: FoodCloud is an Ireland-based social enterprise that connects surplus food from retailers to charities via a technology platform. It uses a similar tech-enabled redistribution model and operates across Ireland, the UK, and the Czech Republic.
• Goodr: Goodr is a food waste management company that uses technology to track, recover, and redistribute surplus food from businesses to nonprofits. Its tech-enabled surplus food recovery model directly competes with 412's value proposition to enterprise food donors.
• Food Rescue US: Food Rescue US operates a near-identical volunteer-powered food rescue model using the Food Rescue Hero platform across multiple Florida and U.S. cities. It is the most direct comparable to 412 Food Rescue in mission, technology stack, and operational approach.
• Copia: Copia is a technology-driven food recovery platform that connects businesses with excess food to nonprofits in need. It operates a B2B logistics model similar to 412 Food Rescue's enterprise food donor partnership approach.

Broad incumbents

• Feeding America: Feeding America is the largest U.S. hunger-relief organization, operating a network of 200+ food banks. It competes for the same donor and partner network as 412 Food Rescue but operates a fundamentally different food bank warehouse-based model.
• City Harvest: City Harvest is a New York-based food rescue organization that collects surplus food and delivers it to soup kitchens and food pantries. Comparable in food rescue mission and direct distribution model but operates at larger urban scale with paid logistics.

Emerging players

• Olio: Olio is a sharing app that connects neighbors and local businesses to share surplus food. While it focuses more on consumer-to-consumer sharing, it addresses the same food waste/hunger intersection with a mobile-first approach.
• Food Rescue Hero (Platform Licensees): The 23 partner organizations using the Food Rescue Hero platform across 21 cities (including Cleveland, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Northern Virginia, Los Angeles) collectively form a peer network sharing 412's technology but operating as independent local food rescue organizations.

Regional players

• FoodMesh: FoodMesh is a Vancouver-based food recovery marketplace connecting food businesses with charities. It is one of 412 Food Rescue's Food Rescue Hero platform partners and operates in the Canadian market.
• Feedback Global: Feedback Global is a UK-based environmental charity campaigning on food waste, running redistribution projects similar to 412 Food Rescue. Comparable in mission and volunteer-driven operations but primarily serving the UK market.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/412FoodRescue
• Facebookfacebook.com/412FoodRescue
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/412-food-rescue
• Instagraminstagram.com/412foodrescue

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about 412 Food Rescue