Up to 40% of food goes to waste, while 1 in 5 Pittsburghers is experiencing food insecurity.
Join a movement that's transforming Pittsburgh and Southwest Pennsylvania by combating food waste, hunger, and greenhouse gas emissions. The 412 Food Rescue app, powered by Food Rescue Hero™, makes volunteering easy so you can make a tangible difference in your community and the planet in just 30 minutes.
Why It Matters
• Reduce Food Waste: Up to 40% of food produced goes to waste–and with it, all the resources that went into growing, transporting, and packaging this food.
• Alleviate Hunger: 1 in 5 Pittsburgh residents is experiencing food insecurity, and less than a third of the wholesome food that goes to waste would be enough to close this hunger gap.
• Protect the Environment: Food waste is the #1 methane emitter in landfills, and contributes more greenhouse gas emissions in a year than global air travel. Reducing food waste is imperative in reaching the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
Key Features
• User-Friendly Interface: Navigate the app with ease, whether you're tech-savvy or new to digital tools.
• Flexible Scheduling: Volunteer on your terms, with options that fit into any lifestyle.
• Real-Time Notifications: Stay informed about rescue opportunities in your area.
• Impact Tracking: See the difference you're making in your community through personalized impact reports.
How It Works
1. Sign Up & Set Preferences: Download the app and customize your availability and preferred rescue areas.
2. Get Notified: Receive alerts when surplus food needs rescuing near you.
3. Claim a Rescue: Choose rescues that fit your schedule—daily, weekly, or whenever you have time.
4. Pick Up & Deliver: Follow step-by-step instructions to collect surplus food from donors and deliver it to local nonprofits distributing food to your community.
5. See Your Impact: Deliver directly to organizations that distribute the food, witnessing firsthand the impact your time makes.
Whether you're looking for a one-time volunteer opportunity or a regular commitment, the app offers flexibility to fit your lifestyle. Plus, you can share your experiences on social media to inspire others to join the cause.
For more information, visit 412foodrescue.org.
It used to give me notifications for days I’d said I was unavailable but now they’ve fixed it and it’s perfect!I highly recommended this app because of all the good you can do for other people.
Awesome app and service!
Hannah7845
The app takes you through the entire rescue from pick up to drop off. Each step of the process is clear and easy to understand. Love it!
Doing great work
Cory Clemente
Love how easy this app makes it to support the Pittsburgh community
Doesn’t work and not in my area
Carynn Jackson
This app has good intentions but there is nothing offered where I live. I keep getting notifications that I can pick things up but they’re many states away from me, despite having set my location. Frustrating.
Developer Response
We're sorry to hear that you're frustrated, Carynn. This app serves the Pittsburgh region - our name is based on the area code here. So unfortunately it doesn't include food rescues available near you. 412 Food Rescue is part of the larger Food Rescue Hero network, currently covering 11 cities across North America. We do not have any partners in the Key Largo, FL area as of now, but we are always looking to expand our efforts to end food waste and hunger!
Bug Fixes & Improvements
- Fixed an issue on Android where on-screen navigation buttons could overlap app content
- Fixed a UI issue that incorrectly allowed template owners to reclaim already claimed rescue instances
- Removed an outdated instruction popover on the donation flow
- Minor interface improvements
Version 4.4.1
The developer, 412 FOOD RESCUE INC, indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .
Data Linked to You
The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:
Location
Contact Info
Data Not Linked to You
The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:
Identifiers
Usage Data
Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More
Accessibility
The developer has not yet indicated which accessibility features this app supports. Learn More