Gus’ Retail Rescue Program

The United States discards more food than any other country in the world: nearly 60 million tons — 120 billion pounds — every year. That’s almost 40% of the entire country’s food supply. Long Island Cares’ Gus’ Retail Rescue program is working to lower that number as much as we can.

Each week, Long Island Cares drivers visit supermarkets and other food retailers across Long Island to pick up donations of food nearing its expiration date or is deemed not “perfect” enough to sell by a retailer but is still edible and safe to eat and enjoy.

The food is then made available in Long Island Cares First Stop Food Pantries or within Gus’ Grocery Corner for our Member Agencies to pick up to serve their community.

By working with our Corporate Partners like Shoprite, Stop & Shop, King Kullen, Amazon, BJ’s wholesale club, and more, we can save edible food from going to waste and instead end up on a family’s dinner table.