Prepared, unserved food from Super Bowl LIV events is helping to feed hungry people in the greater Miami area. It is estimated that national food recovery leader Food Rescue US rescued 35,000 pounds of surplus food from the Super Bowl and related events to feed individuals and families throughout Miami, while also not contributing to the growing food waste crisis in America. In partnership with NFL Green and Centerplate, the exclusive food and beverage partner at Hard Rock Stadium and the Miami Beach Convention Center, the recovered food was directly transferred by 37 Food Rescue US – Miami volunteers to help feed food insecure individuals and families in Miami through partnerships with several local social service agencies, including Miami Rescue Mission, Broward Outreach Center, Broward Partnership for the Homeless, Lotus House Shelter and Camillus House. 

“With so many people suffering from food insecurity in South Florida, we know the vital importance of our work to rescue and transfer thousands of pounds of excess fresh healthy food from Super Bowl events to the homeless shelters and soup kitchens we work with in the Miami area,” said Ellen Bowen, site director of Food Rescue US – Miami, in a statement. “Being able to deliver this food, including ribs, beef tenderloins, barbecue chicken, vegetables, fruits and even some specialty desserts, to men, women and children who are hungry provides sustenance and hope for a better tomorrow.”

Started in 2011, Food Rescue US is currently rescuing in 25 locations throughout the U.S., including Miami and Broward counties. Using its proprietary app, food donors are connected with local social service agencies that feed the food insecure and volunteer food rescuers who directly transfer healthy, excess food from the food donor to social service agencies.

“At Centerplate, we are committed to giving back to the communities we serve by ensuring any excess food helps to feed those in need,” said Chef Dayanny de la Cruz, executive chef of Centerplate at Hard Rock Stadium, in a statement. “We’re pleased to continue our partnership with Food Rescue US – Miami to deliver our surplus Super Bowl food to the local social service agencies providing for the food insecure in our community.”