We all agree that everyone should have access to fresh, healthy food. But the reality is, many people live in food deserts, where they don't have access to nutritious meals. And many other people simply can't afford to buy good food. Fortunately, Second Helpings has stepped up to the plate, serving people in need and in the process, finding use for the food that is far too often discarded.

Second Helpings is an organization based out of Indianapolis, Indiana that aims to (in their words of their mission statement) "transform lives through the power of food." More than a soup kitchen or food pantry, Second Helpings functions as a community kitchen, where job-seekers can learn a new career through their free culinary training program, and hungry families can fill their bellies with tasty, warming meals. You know the saying "give a man a fish and you'll feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime"? Second Helpings takes that to heart, teaching disadvantaged adults how to find careers in the food service industry.

As if that wasn't enough, Second Helpings also works to eliminate food waste by "rescuing" prepared and perishable food from wholesalers, retailers, and restaurants. People in America throw away a lot of food—up to 27% of our available food supply ends up in the trash. Second Helpings seeks to liberate that food from the destiny of the landfill by working with distributors, caterers, restaurants, and grocers. They take the unwanted food and turn it into great meals for children and adults.

Eliminating waste, providing healthy meals to people in need, and training people for exciting new careers? Talk about a cool cause! But of course, this couldn't happen without the help of volunteers. Find out how you can become involved with Second Helpings by clicking here.


Image via Flickr