Waltham supermarkets and nonprofits partner with Spoonfuls to tackle food insecurity 

In the season of barbecues, lobster rolls and fresh summer produce, Spoonfuls, a Newton-based food recovery organization, works hard to combat food insecurity, and it’s making an impact in the Waltham community.

Since its founding in 2010, Spoonfuls has recovered and distributed over 40 million pounds of food. It is New England’s largest food recovery operation, collecting food from 101 retail and brand partners within 76 different cities and towns across Massachusetts.

In 2024, Spoonfuls recovered and distributed over 5.5 million pounds of food. That amount equals $10.8 million worth of fruit, vegetables, dairy, meat and other food products saved from composting and delivered to people and families through local nonprofits.

“Our growth has been from 2010, when our founder and CEO [Ashley Stanley] delivered food in her personal vehicle, and now we have nine refrigerated vehicles in regions across the state and a large, professional team,” said Liz Miller, Spoonfuls’ senior manager of community relations.

In Waltham, Spoonfuls collects food from Hannaford and Shaw’s, delivering what it recovers to four nonprofits in town: Community Day Center of Waltham, Salvation Army, Waltham Boys & Girls Club and Healthy Waltham.

The priority is to deliver fresh, healthy foods, as opposed to canned goods and other nonperishables that fill pantries and food banks. Spoonfuls does not bank or store any of the food they recover. The organization’s drivers start the day with an empty refrigerated truck, and they end the day with an empty truck.

According to Erin Ash, Spoonfuls’ senior director of programs, 90% of the food that the organization recovers is fresh food. In 2024, 40% of the food recovered was produce.

Making sure good food doesn’t go to waste

For Hannaford, Spoonfuls fits as a perfect partner for the grocery retailer’s Fresh Rescue program. Spoonfuls and other organizations pick up salvaged products — such as produce with bruises, items with damaged packaging and meat or dairy near its sell-by date — to donate. In 2024, Hannaford donated 129,000 pounds of food to Spoonfuls from two of their local storefronts, including the Waltham location.

“Hannaford is deeply committed to fighting food insecurity, and we’re proud to partner with organizations such as Spoonfuls to help expand access to fresh, nutritious food in our communities,” said Kevin Fortier, store manager at Hannaford’s Waltham location.

The organizations that receive these food donations use the items to supplement other food programming.

At Salvation Army, community members are invited to a pantry program every Wednesday and Thursday, and it hosts a fresh pantry twice monthly. Capt. Justin Barter estimates that 60 to 80 families get food items from this programming.

“Spoonfuls asks us what items we’re looking for,” said Barter. “A lot of those fresh items go out that day. People really look forward to it. Sometimes you get lucky with the items you get to hand out; over the summer we might get to give out some lobster rolls.”

With school almost back in session, Waltham Boys & Girls Club will receive donations from Spoonfuls to feed local youth, too. Erin Donovan, resource development director, said that the Boys & Girls Club can supplement regular meals with additional food resources that enhance programming in meaningful ways.

“With Spoonfuls’ support, we can offer special treats during teen meetings or club events,” said Donovan. “These small touches empower our staff to provide resources and help our youth feel seen and celebrated.”

Ash and Miller said that Spoonfuls is operating with waitlists for interested beneficiary organizations in regions throughout the state. As the organization considers possible growth and expansion efforts, Spoonfuls evaluates regions’ and communities’ need for food assistance.

“Whether it’s getting more food acquired on an existing route or whether it’s launching a route in a new region, the need is a big, big decision maker,” said Ash.

CORRECTION: The story originally stated “In 2024, Hannaford donated 129,000 pounds of food to Spoonfuls across their 189 stores, including the Waltham location.” The food was collected from just two local stores, including in Waltham.