Rethink Food CEO Reflects on the Nonprofit's Proudest Moments — and What's Next

On its mission to establish a more equitable food system since 2017, Rethink Food has certainly reached its share of milestones.

But as the nation’s hunger problem continues to grow, with approximately one in 10 New Yorkers unsure of where their next meal will be coming from, its leaders acknowledge that, in many ways, their work is just getting started.

“The community spirit is beyond what I could have imagined,” CEO Matt Jozwiak says. “Across all our work, we’ve continued building connections. Our restaurant partners take the care they put into their food and move it outside their four walls — making an impact that directly improves the lives of those around them. The response from our network of restaurant and [community-based organization] partners on how our work is essential is very gratifying.”

Here are some of Rethink Food’s most celebrated moments.

March 27 Is Rethink Food Day

When the New York City mayor’s office received word that Rethink Food has dished out more than 14 million meals since its inception, they decided to do something to honor that accomplishment. In March 2023, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Council Speaker Adrienne E. Adams, alongside Kate MacKenzie, the executive director of the Mayor’s Office of Food Policy, presented Rethink Food with a proclamation for its own eponymous day. NYC’s Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce co-hosted the event at global restaurant Fandi Mata. Father Michael Lopez, the executive director of Hungry Monk Rescue Truck/Monkworx, emceed the festivities.

An active Rethink Food partner, Hungry Monk has delivered more than 27,000 meals in its Brooklyn neighborhood where the disparity between the haves and the have-nots is immediately apparent. “There’s a really crazy juxtaposition between poverty and the new affluence in Bushwick,” Lopez said in a video on Rethink Food’s YouTube channel. 

Partnering With 80% Minority- and/or Women-Owned or Led Businesses

Rethink is proud of its inclusivity efforts. “We are creating a network of partners that is responsive, hyperlocal, and ready to meet the needs of our communities,” says Jozwiak. “We work with local restaurants and food businesses that are predominantly minority- or women-owned local businesses to prepare meals for delivery to local community-based organizations that then distribute them to individuals and communities in need.”

One such partner is Katie O Soul Food. “We're proud to call @katieosoulfood a partner in our pursuit of a better food system,” Rethink Food shared on Instagram. “Katie O's doors opened in the Prospect Lefferts Garden in August 2014 and has been serving some of New York's best soul food to loyal customers ever since. As a meal-making restaurant, Katie O's has integrated community support into the core of their work. Since becoming a partner, the team has prepared over 200,000 meals for their neighbors.” 

Rethink Food Making a Governmental Impact

In addition to making improvements on the local level in New York, Miami, Chicago, and other cities, Rethink Food’s fight to feed the hungry landed the organization a spot at the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health.

Rethink Food was invited by New York City Mayor Adams, U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern, and others engaged in food equity to attend the conference in September 2022. The organization was more than happy to pull up a seat at the table to discuss how restaurants can analyze existing infrastructure to fulfill large-scale needs while doing so in a budget-conscious way. Advocating for systemic change has become a crucial item on Rethink Food’s menu of goals. 

During Rethink Food’s discussion, they urged lawmakers to extend more state and federal funding to food-focused community organizations and called for a closer examination of existing legislation and liability laws that can act as a blockage to donations. 

As part of that initiative, Rethink Food is calling for tax credits for donating food, which would not only include farms but restaurants too.

Big Brand Partnerships With Top Food Purveyors 

Every week, the Chelsea Market food hall in New York City’s borough of Manhattan donates its excess items to Rethink Food. From produce to prepared goods the vendors haven’t moved, Rethink Food picks the products up and then uses the ingredients in its commissary kitchen. 

Another partner, Whole Foods Market, has been working with Rethink Food since 2018 to donate their excess food from six locations across New York City. This effort has resulted in 127,000 pounds of rescued food, 316,000 pounds of diverted CO2 waste, and 2.9 million gallons of water saved.

Rebuilding Communities One Meal at a Time 

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, many Americans began experiencing a more profound disconnect with the people and the world around them. As Rethink Food brings meals to neighborhoods where people are most in need.

“We are honored to be involved and part of a catalyst for broader change and we are humbled by the number of people and partners across the food system and beyond that have reached out to us to become a part of our community and help further our mission,” Jozwiak says.

When challenges arise, Jozwiak adds that he always remembers why he co-founded Rethink Food in the first place and why its mission is more important than ever. 

“My team energizes me — especially when things are tough,” Jozwiak shares. “We’re always energized and inspired to forge ahead, try new things, and always focus on keeping our community connected.”  

Where Rethink Food Is Headed

As Rethink Food looks toward the future, the group is planning ways to increase its reach.  He explains that the feedback they get from those they’re helping is the fuel that powers Rethink Food’s operations. In Miami, Rethink Food recently hit 100,000 meals given to those in need in the Miami-Dade community thanks to its teamwork with The Genuine Hospitality Group.

“Taking care of — and showing up — for our communities lies at the heart of the work we do at Rethink Food,” Jozwiak says. “Since April 2020, we have partnered with over 140 restaurants and food businesses and directed more than $50 million to local restaurants and communities — of which $35 million [was] invested into NYC restaurants.”

The difference Rethink Food is making has inspired multiple leaders to share their appreciation for the organization.

“The work that Rethink Food and all the participating restaurants are doing for residents is truly inspirational, coming together to support families when they need it the most while also honoring and respecting their cultures,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.

“It demonstrates what partnerships like this can accomplish and its impact on people's lives. I am so proud and moved by what they do for our community every day, and I hope to see more collaborations like this in the future.” 

For more information and to find opportunities to volunteer visit rethinkfood.org. To donate click here.