JACKSONVILLE, Fla – In a country where millions of people struggle to put food on the table, tens of billions of pounds of food are wasted every year. But in Northeast Florida, one organization is working to change that—making sure perfectly good food ends up where it’s needed most.
This week’s PositivelyJAX winner shines on Waste Not Want Not.
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Inside their workspace, the mission is in motion. Tables are lined with fresh produce, bread, and prepared meals. Volunteers move quickly—sorting, organizing, and preparing food for distribution.
Every item here has been rescued. Picked up from local grocery stores, restaurants, and other partners, the food is brought in by volunteers and then sent right back out to the community.
“I just absolutely hate to see somebody throwing away something that somebody else can use,” said volunteer Linda Boyd. “All we have to do is save it and give it back.”
The variety is wide-ranging—tomatoes, cauliflower, lettuce, and more. Food that might have otherwise gone to waste is instead redirected to people facing hunger.
Throughout the day, community partners arrive—loading their vehicles with supplies that will go straight to food pantries, shelters, and outreach programs across 14 counties.
For many, the impact goes far beyond a meal.
“This is a lifesaver right here,” said a partner from Riverside Tradition House. “This literally keeps some of them from picking up a bottle… absolutely.”
The need is significant. Across Northeast Florida, nearly one in five people are experiencing chronic hunger—a number that continues to climb.
That growing demand is driving expansion efforts.
Just down the road, the organization’s main facility—nicknamed “the castle”—is undergoing a major transformation. Renovations will bring expanded space, upgraded rooms, and commercial-grade refrigeration, allowing the team to store more food and serve more families.
“The food insecurity rate continues to climb, so the demand for our services continues to increase,” said Executive Director Kathleen Spears.
While construction continues, operations haven’t slowed. The team is currently working out of a temporary location—but their mission remains the same.
“This is a dream come true for the organization,” Spears said.
From volunteers sorting donations to partners delivering meals across the region, Waste Not Want Not is ensuring that food doesn’t go to waste—and more importantly, that neighbors don’t go hungry.
The organization is always looking for volunteers and community partners to support its work.