Morning Star Rotary welcomed members of "I Have I Need" to our May 28, 2026 meeting. This organization connects businesses and events with surplus items to local nonprofits in need, focusing on the "last mile" logistics of getting donations from point A to point B. The organization has rescued over 94,000 pounds of items so far this year, compared to 81,000 pounds last year, and works with 40+ nonprofit partners including food pantries, shelters, and organizations supporting children and people with disabilities.
Jen McCary, Co-Founder of "I Have I Need" along with her husband Jeff, presented an overview of their organization's work in rescuing and redistributing excess items, particularly food, to nonprofit organizations and communities across the Lehigh Valley. She highlighted their efforts to keep donations close to where they were generated, emphasizing partnerships with local nonprofits and volunteers, including the "Food Fighters" team. Jen outlined ways people can help, including spreading the word, volunteering, donating, and providing support or connections, and shared examples of successful rescues, such as bottled water, eggs, and various supplies.
Jen explained how their food rescue organization selects donation recipients through existing relationships, partnerships with Second Harvest, and a mobile app called Food Rescue US that helps coordinate pickups and deliveries. The organization primarily works with local businesses like bakeries and schools, with some larger retailers partnering through Second Harvest, and they currently operate entirely on volunteer labor while serving multiple school districts including Parkland and Northern Lehigh. She outlined their five-year strategic goals including renting office space, hiring paid staff, expanding coverage in Bethlehem and Easton, and developing a replicable model for other communities.
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