Stronger Together
It’s a known fact that approximately one-third of the food produced in America is wasted, while one in six Americans lack access to proper nutrition. And while this may be a sad and unfortunate reality, it’s a broken system that can be repaired.
Still, the process of redirecting fresh food away from landfills and into stomachs, so no one goes hungry, is a massive undertaking that can’t be done by a single organization alone. It no doubt takes the help of an entire community.
At 360 Eats, we’re fortunate to be a part of an incredible network of supporters, including our food partners. Without them, we would be unable to rescue the food used to feed individuals and families in need. We want to take a moment to recognize these businesses and their contributions, while also highlighting the importance of collaboration and connection to achieve a desired goal.
Our Mission and the Role of Our Partners
The mission of 360 Eats is to build a more sustainable food system that eliminates food waste and ensures no one goes hungry. Co-founders, Cameron and Ellen Macleish, saw an opportunity: by recovering fresh, surplus food before it reaches the landfill, we could nourish thousands of people, if not more.
Our food partners play a crucial role in making this mission a reality. By donating their surplus inventory, they help ensure that fresh, nutritious food is redirected to those who need it most. We transform these rescued ingredients into wholesome meals, served in communities across Pinellas County where access to healthy food is limited, otherwise known as “food deserts”. Working together is how we’re able to build that sustainable food system that values both people and the planet.
Our Incredible Partners
We’ve been extremely fortunate to have partnered with several businesses throughout the years, from well-known grocery stores, to farms and large distribution centers. Their passion for our mission and their contributions are how we’ve been able to do what we do. Some of the businesses we’re so grateful to be partnered with include:
Life Farms - a beautiful farm in Clearwater that sells organic produce, herbs, and flowers, and provides educational information as well. They give us bags of fresh, leafy greens and other produce to keep our community meals nutritious and well-balanced.
Sysco - a food distribution center in Palmetto. A good portion of our meats, grains, and canned goods come from these guys, so we’re extremely grateful for their contributions.
Meacham Urban Farm - another gorgeous farm magically tucked away in South Tampa. This week, we received boxes of super fresh collard greens, allowing us to provide even healthier options for our meal recipients.
Yo Mama’s Foods - they make sauces that are low in sodium and free of sugar and artificial ingredients. We enjoy using their tasty sauce donations on some of the days we serve pasta.
Brick Street Farms - a hydroponic farm in St. Pete growing produce in converted shipping containers for a more sustainable farming system. We get fresh greens from them every Monday and we’re super grateful for their support.
Fat Beet Farm - a wonderful farm, kitchen, and bakery in the heart of Tampa Bay that donates their produce when they have extra.
Thanks to the invaluable support of these dedicated partners (including those who prefer to remain anonymous) surplus food is given new purpose and is no longer wasted. Communities that have historically had to prioritize convenience and cost over health can now access nutritious meals for free.
How to Get Involved
When it comes to fighting food insecurity and food waste, we’re stronger together. It takes a whole community to provide the resources necessary to create lasting change, and we want to sincerely thank our partners for the food donations that have improved the lives of so many.
If you’d like to be a part of our work, whether as a food partner, a donor or sponsor, or a volunteer, we invite you to get involved. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished since 2020, rescuing over 300,000 pounds of food and feeding over 60,000 residents in Pinellas County. This is something we want everyone to be a part of. You can reach out at info@360eats.org to learn more.