Cultivate Food Rescue: A Community United to Serve 100,000 Meals

Photo bywndu

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — When a community rallies together, remarkable outcomes emerge. Cultivate Food Rescue, in partnership with 4-H and Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry, is transforming lives by providing over 100,000 meals to those in need through an innovative program that combines education and compassion.

For more than four years, local students have been engaged in nurturing livestock, developing not only agricultural skills but also a deep connection to the cause. “Working closely with these kids, seeing them grow and care for the animals, creates a genuine impact as they help feed hungry children in our community,” shares Jim Conklin, executive director of Cultivate Food Rescue.

This initiative is more than just about food; it's a comprehensive approach to tackling hunger across Elkhart, St. Joseph, and Marshall counties. Cultivate Food Rescue processes between 8,000 to 10,000 meals weekly, sourcing approximately 2,500 pounds of protein each week. With the recent purchase of 193 animals—the highest number in the program’s history—Cultivate is set to provide an impressive 50,000 pounds of protein, translating to 100,000 meals.

“This program supports local students, sustains our community, and directly addresses food insecurity,” Conklin explains. “It’s a fantastic blend of education, sustainability, and compassion.”

Since 2021, Cultivate has significantly expanded its Meat Hunger program, purchasing over 550 animals and supplying more than 250,000 meals to families in need. This grassroots effort exemplifies the power of community collaboration in fighting hunger.