The LUM Food Rescue – Rescue Food. Feed Neighbors. Together.

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LUM Food Rescue – A Recipe For Community Care

The LUM Food Rescue Initiative is transforming surplus food into vital support for neighbors in need—while reducing food waste across Greater Lafayette. Drawing on proven food rescue practices used successfully across Indiana and communities nationwide, LUM partners with local restaurants, bakeries, and grocery stores to recover safe, high-quality surplus food and share it through the LUM Protein Food Pantry, Emergency Shelter and After School Program.

Volunteers play a key role in this effort by signing up for quick food pick-ups that fit their schedules. Morning, evening, and weekend opportunities are available, whether you can help once or commit regularly. For larger donations, the LUM van is available, making participation easy and accessible.

This simple act of service creates a powerful impact—rescuing food, reducing waste, and strengthening our community. Learn how you can be part of the solution and help LUM continue this meaningful work.

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Why Food Rescue Works

Research and community-based programs across the state and country consistently show that food rescue:

• Reduces landfill waste and methane emissions
• Expands access to fresh and prepared foods for families facing food insecurity
• Maximizes the value of food already produced, purchased, and prepared
• Strengthens partnerships between nonprofits and local businesses

LUM’s program reflects these proven practices, translating national success into local, measurable impact.

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How You Can Help

Volunteers are the heart of food rescue. By signing up for a pick-up, you help transform surplus into support—often in under an hour.

You choose your level of involvement:

• Volunteer weekly, monthly, or just once
• Morning, evening, and weekend shifts available
• The LUM van is available for larger pick-ups or when personal transportation isn’t an option

One short trip can mean dozens of meals added to the shelter, pantry shelves filled, or youth programs strengthened.

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Current Food Rescue Partners & Pick-Up Times

LUM currently partners with the following businesses to accept regular surplus food donations:

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Join the LUM Food Rescue Team

LUM is also seeking volunteers to become members of the LUM Food Rescue Team, helping provide consistent coverage for pickups throughout the week. Whether you’re available a few mornings, evenings, or weekends each month, your commitment helps ensure no donated food goes to waste.

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Get Involved

If you’re passionate about sustainability, community care, and practical solutions that work, this is your moment. Email foodpantry@LUMserve.org to sign up, learn about training requirements, or join the Food Rescue Team.

Together, we can save food, share food, and reduce waste—strengthening our community while following a model that’s proven to make a difference.

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Rescue Food | Feed Your Neighbors | Reduce Waste

Calling all foodies, sustainability advocates, and community champions — this is your moment. LUM is on a mission to fight food waste and feed our neighbors in need. LUM partners with generous local businesses to rescue surplus food and share it with individuals and families through the LUM shelter, food pantry, and youth programs.

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Here’s where YOU come in. 

Sign up for a quick food pick-up — once a week, once a month, or whenever you’re available. Morning, evening, and weekend shifts are available, and the LUM van is available for transport, if needed.

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Available Pick-Up Times:

• Panera Bread – Tuesday & Wednesday evenings
• Starbucks – Monday, Wednesday & Friday mornings
• Great Harvest Bread Co. – 3rd & 5th Saturday afternoons
• Fresh Thyme Market – Monday mornings
• Pay Less Super Market – Monday, Thursday & Friday mornings

If you’re passionate about reducing waste and helping your community, email foodpantry@LUMserve.org or click the button below to get involved.