Resource Corner

Each month we share resources that inspire action in food justice, agroecology, and community resilience. Abundance often hides in plain sight—in the scraps we compost, the CSAs we join, the fields we glean, and the local networks that reconnect food with communities. These practices show that resilience is achieved not only by what we have, but also by how we as a collective work together. 

Have a favorite resource related to reducing Food Waste you’d like to share? Write to us at info@FoodFirst.org — we’d love to feature community suggestions by adding them to this growing list of resources that will be updated and accessible via the Food First website.

How to Find Local Ways to – Glean, Rescue Food, Support Upcycling efforts, secure compost or connect with local farmers via a local CSA Program

Try searching these terms along with your city or county name:

• “gleaning” or “crop harvest volunteer”
• “food rescue” or “food recovery”
• “upcycled food”
• “community compost” or “compost drop-off”
• “CSA farm” or “community supported agriculture”

Local government websites, farmers markets, and neighborhood associations are also great places to start.

Every action helps build resilience. Whether we glean from the field, redirect surplus, upcycle scraps, compost leftovers, or join a CSA, we are not only preventing waste—we are reclaiming abundance and restoring relationships between land, food, and community. 

Gleaning 

National Gleaning Project
A hub for resources and legal information supporting gleaning initiatives that reduce food waste and expand redistribution. Visit the

There are plenty of opportunities to end food waste through gleaning—whether volunteering in the field, supporting local gleaning organizations, or helping connect surplus harvests with food pantries.

Food Rescue Networks & Tools

Across the country, innovative apps and networks are helping communities recover surplus food and connect it with those who need it most. Here are three national resources to start with:

• Food Rescue Locator – A national directory of food recovery organizations, searchable by state and city, making it easier to find nearby programs to volunteer with or support.
• Food Rescue US – A national nonprofit with a user-friendly app that matches food donors with local agencies, mobilizing volunteers to transfer surplus food directly where it’s needed.
• Food Rescue.net – A national nonprofit that empowers K–12 students to lead food-rescue efforts in school cafeterias, providing free educational resources and partnerships that connect surplus food with local pantries and community programs.

A quick search for “food rescue app” or “food recovery network” in your area can also reveal local initiatives worth supporting.

Upcycling

Turning Food Waste into taste—upcycled foods prove that sustainability can be delicious.

Upcycling gives new life to food and ingredients that might otherwise be discarded—transforming byproducts, surplus, and “imperfect” foods into delicious new products. 

For more information and educational resources, visit the Upcycled Food Association, a nonprofit coalition dedicated to advancing the upcycled food movement through research, advocacy, and community engagement. Here you can learn more about upcycle certification standards as well as Upcycled Certified Products & Ingredients.

Composting & Organic Farming

Composting restores soil fertility, reduces waste, and strengthens local food systems.  Here are resources to learn more about composting and strategies for finding composting programs in your area. Many local and state governments offer free or discounted services:

• MakeSoil Map – Find a Soil Site Near You:  MakeSoil offers an interactive, map-based platform where users can locate nearby soil-related initiatives—such as compost hubs, community gardens, and DIY soil sites. It is a tool that connects people to local soil resources and networks.
• Where to Get Free Compost Soil? – GardenerBible: A practical guide by GardenerBible that walks readers through local ways to source free compost. It covers municipal compost programs, community gardens, yard-waste drop-offs, and composting your own garden materials—all aimed at helping gardeners save money while building healthier soil.
• Where Can You Find Free Soil for Your Garden? – Greenfield ESG: This article explores a broad array of low-cost or free soil sources: from government giveaways and community gardens to surplus from construction and landscaping projects. It also suggests tapping into local social media groups and checking soil quality before use.

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)

CSAs reconnect eaters with growers, restoring the relationship between land and people. Learn more through these resources:

• USDA CSA Directory – Local Food Listings – A comprehensive directory of CSA farms across the U.S., searchable by location, delivery type, or seasonality. Also includes related local food outlets such as farmers markets, food hubs, and agritourism venues.
• CSA Coalition FAQ – What It Means to Join a CSA – A clear, friendly guide to how CSAs work: you invest at the start of the season and receive a share of the harvest in return. Explains benefits like fresh produce, farm financial stability, stronger community ties, and environmental impact.