About

Our Social Impact

Chefs have been using imperfect produce in commercial kitchens since the dawn of modern cooking, yet no formal marketplace existed for these item —until now. Fourth Harvest is trying to end this disparity and we’re asking for your help to accomplish this.

When submitting your order on the Local Food Connection, take a moment and look over the options listed under Fourth Harvest. Every item you purchase will not only save you money but will keep food from being landfilled.

If you’re a supplier and have excess or unsold inventory, we can also help you redirect this product to a charitable organization. Visit the Donors section of our website to learn more about the financial benefits for donating food.

Our thanks to Cincy Green Umbrella for the grant funding and for the team at Local Food Connection whose patience and knowledge have been invaluable to the launch of Fourth Harvest.

What is Imperfect Food?

It is encouraging that people want to talk about food waste.

Media coverage about food waste grew 25% per year from 2011-2016

In a 2016 poll, 74% of adults reported that the issue of wasted food was important to them

But did you know where most food waste comes from?

43% FROM HOMES
27 Million Tons

40% FROM GROCERY STORES, WHOLESALERS, AND COMMERCIAL KITCHENS
25 Million Tons

16% FROM FARMS
10 Million Tons

2% FROM MANUFACTURING
1 Million Tons

Learn from fun, awareness-building, online games that will reveal how the “visual” appeal of ripening food and the language we use to describe it, affects our desire to purchase and consume them.

Think of this game as “Tinder” for discovering food preferences. You’ll rate the produce you eat or won’t eat. We’ll track responses from chefs and non-chefs to reveal the differences that exists between those that work with food professionally and those who don’t.
View Cumulative Results

Vote on new, appetizing names to describe “ugly” produce and help change the way we perceive these misshapen but perfectly edible foods – add your own suggestion(s) to the list as well.
View Cumulative Results

How do we talk about reducing food waste?

Join the conversation

Head over to our Facebook page to learn more about events and meet more people who are dedicated to reducing the amount of food we waste and follow these links to information and tools that will help you reduce food waste at home.

Save The Food
Central Ohio River Valley Local Food Guide
Green Umbrella Local Food Team
Good Food Cincinnati
Freestore Foodbank
I Value Food