SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. –  The warmth of gratitude filled the air at the Feed Tahoe Appreciation Night, an evening dedicated to honoring the volunteers, donors, and nonprofit partners who have united to address food insecurity in the South Lake Tahoe region. This celebration, hosted at Elements Eatery, marked the official recognition of Feed Tahoe’s launch in Fall 2024 and provided a meaningful moment to reflect on the collective impact of rescuing surplus food and redirecting it to those in need.

Local organizations—including the Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) Food Pantry, Family Resource Center, Tahoe Senior Living, Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless, Tahoe Youth & Family Services, Sierra Child & Family Services, and the LTCC Kitchen—shared inspiring stories of how FeedTahoe has helped expand their capacity to serve more individuals and families through consistent, high-quality food donations.

By the Numbers: Feed Tahoe’s Impact to Date

  • 306 food rescues completed
  • 19,982 pounds of food saved and redistributed
  • 38,116 pounds of carbon emissions prevented through food waste reduction
  • 2.84 miles – the average distance per food rescue, ensuring efficiency
  • 22 generous food donors contributed surplus items
  • 24 nonprofit organizations received food donations
  • 34 dedicated volunteers powered the mission with their time and energy

Recognizing the Heroes: Feed Tahoe Community Awards

Food Pantry Picasso Award
 Chef Jon Snyder, Edgewood Tahoe Resort
 An early food donor of FeedTahoe, providing high-quality, creatively crafted culinary food donations that bring dignity and joy to meals served across the community.

Trailblazing Tastemakers Award
Chef Patrick Fountain & Nancy Leon, Barton Hospital
Among Feed Tahoe’s earliest and most consistent partners, Barton Hospital’s impeccably packaged, nutritious donations set a high standard for excellence and consistency.

Steady Bready Award
Tahoe Bagel & Beach Hut Deli
Honored for reliably contributing fresh bagels and bread—simple but essential items that offer sustenance and comfort to those facing food insecurity.

Heart & Hustle Award
 Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless & The Family Resource Center
 Recognized for their unwavering commitment to turning rescued food into nourishing meals, even on weekends and holidays.

Hunger Hero Award
 Linda Wysong
 Celebrated for completing the most volunteer hours and food rescues, making a tremendous impact in getting food to those who need it most.

Climate Action Heroes Award
 Katie Sloan & Lily Summerville
 For bridging the environmental and food recovery communities, and for advocating climate-conscious food rescue practices. 

About Feed Tahoe

FeedTahoe is a community-powered food rescue initiative that works to eliminate food waste and expand food access in South Lake Tahoe. By connecting surplus food from local donors with nonprofit organizations, the program ensures that good food nourishes people rather than ending up in landfills. Volunteers use the FeedTahoe app to claim and complete food rescues in real time, efficiently moving food to where it’s needed most.

The Road Ahead: How You Can Help

While this night celebrated tremendous progress, the work is just beginning. Food insecurity remains a significant issue in our community as we are also seeing funding cuts for charitable food suppliers. 

To keep up with growing needs, Feed Tahoe is actively seeking new food donors—especially commercial kitchens, grocery stores, restaurants, and institutional kitchens willing to donate surplus, unserved food.

We also continue to rely on:

  • Volunteer drivers to complete food rescues
  • Financial supporters to sustain program logistics and tech
  • Community advocates to spread the word

To learn more, volunteer, or become a food donor, visit www.feedtahoe.org.

Left to right, all pictured with Melissa Uppendahl, Marcella Foundation’s executive director:

Kimberly Peterson, representing the Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless also receiving the FeedTahoe “Heart & Hustle” award for their staff’s dedicated commitment to feeding unhoused individuals in our community.

Karen Goldberg, representing the Family Resource Center receiving the FeedTahoe “Heart & Hustle” award for their unwavering commitment to feed our community.

Pat Fountain, representing Barton Hospital receiving FeedTahoe “Trailblazing Tastemaker” award for being among FeedTahoe’s earliest and most consistent partners, with impeccably packaged, nutritious food donations