Third Annual ‘Taste of Hope’ Event Unites Community to Combat Food Waste and Hunger

Photo bywndu

South Bend, Indiana — In a world where an estimated 133 billion pounds of food is wasted every year, the mission of Cultivate Food Rescue shines as a beacon of hope. The Michiana-based organization, one of the region's pioneering food rescues, is dedicated to salvaging surplus food and transforming it into nourishing meals for those in need. On Thursday night, this vital mission took center stage at the Century Center in South Bend during the third annual ‘Taste of Hope’ event.

From humble beginnings, Cultivate Food Rescue has achieved remarkable growth. In its first year, the organization saved 50,000 pounds of food—an impressive feat. However, this past year, they soared to new heights, rescuing an astounding 2.5 million pounds of food. These efforts not only reduce waste but also provide crucial support to food-insecure children and families across Michiana.

The ‘Taste of Hope’ event serves as both a celebration and a fundraiser, bringing together the community to ensure no neighbor goes hungry and no food is wasted. Todd Zeltwanger, Cultivate’s director of fund development, emphasized the event's significance: “At the start of each school year, we have what’s called the ‘Taste of Hope’ event, and the money raised tonight will help us in serving this year 1,500 food-insecure students in St. Joe, Elkhart, and Marshall counties every single weekend with food.”

This year’s goal is ambitious but achievable—$250,000. With over 700 attendees, including sponsors, donors, and volunteers, the sold-out event reflected the community's unwavering support for Cultivate’s mission. “There’s just so many people that we couldn’t just pull this off with just a handful. It takes all of us, so the community has supported us in such a wonderful way, and we are so excited to be able to carry out our mission and our vision statement is actually, ‘No neighbor hungry, no food wasted,’ and everyone here will help us do that,” Zeltwanger shared.

The event also featured local businesses like Shug’s Tea & Lemonade, whose owner, Latonya Crawford, expressed the sense of fulfillment that comes from giving back. “It feels great to me to meet a lot of new people that faces I wouldn’t have met otherwise, and to give back and to know that those people give so I don’t mind giving as well,” Crawford said.

As Cultivate Food Rescue continues to grow, so does its need for volunteers and donations. The organization’s efforts remind us that everyone has a role to play in ensuring a brighter, hunger-free future for our community.