094 Food Forward - Feeding Communities not Landfills

A Sustainability Now Interview with Food Forward Founder, Rick Nahmias

In a world where millions go hungry while billions of pounds of food go to waste, Food Forward is proving that abundance, not scarcity, is the problem—and the solution. Founded in 2009 by our guest, Rick Nahmias, what started as a backyard fruit-picking effort has grown into one of the most effective, large-scale food rescue operations in the country. With a laser focus on fresh, plant-based food, Food Forward moves an astonishing 100 million pounds of produce annually—more than even the LA Food Bank—directly into the hands of those who need it most. Their work isn’t just about feeding people; it’s about restoring dignity, health, and access to nutrient-rich foods while solving one of the most overlooked contributors to climate change: food waste.

The key to their impact? Precision, partnerships, and logistics at scale. Food Forward operates at just 7 cents per pound—one-third the cost of a traditional food bank. By leveraging deep relationships with wholesalers, farmers, and volunteers they’ve made food donation seamless, cost-effective, and even financially beneficial for suppliers.

Yet Food Forward is more than an organization—it’s a movement built on the principle of shared abundance. Inspired by a gifting ethos, their work empowers individuals to become stewards of food justice in their own communities, whether through volunteering, replicating food rescue efforts locally, or supporting policy change. And for those wondering if this model could work elsewhere? Rick and his team have made their tools and expertise open-source, to help support the development of food recovery efforts nationwide. Tune in to hear how Food Forward is reshaping food access, reducing waste, and proving that a well-fed world is within reach.