Food Link is an Arlington, Massachusetts-based food rescue non-profit that uses the power of volunteers to collect fresh food from food retailers and distribute it to local residents in need. Over 100 volunteers collect and distribute food seven days a week to alleviate hunger and support environmental sustainability. Food Link partners with 12 local grocery and prepared food stores to utilize high-quality fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread and prepared foods that would otherwise be wasted. Food Link provides healthy food to 30 social service agencies including after school programs, programs for at-risk youth, low income housing facilities, homeless shelters, food pantries, and senior centers throughout Arlington and surrounding towns. Food Link collects and distributes over 30,000 pounds of food each month.By providing nutritious food to those who need it, Food Link supports social services agencies. Because food is provided at no cost to the organizations, agencies are able to spend more of their budget providing essential services to the community.Food Link often delivers food directly to housing facilities, schools, or other programs where recipients live or regularly attend school or programs. This reduces many of the barriers to access to nutritious food including the lack of time, lack of transportation, lack of mobility to carry food, and feelings of stigma associated with attending a program specifically for low cost food. The elderly and disabled in particular benefit from having food delivered to them.  Food Link protects the environment by connecting good food with people who need it so it won’t be thrown away. Food that is not consumed is a waste of the water, fossil fuels and other resources that were used to grow and transport the food. In addition, by diverting food from landfills, Food Link helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions produced by landfills.Food Link’s Mission Statement:  Food Link alleviates hunger, reduces food waste, and contributes to environmental sustainability. We collect food that would otherwise go to waste from local grocers and cafés and deliver to community organizations serving people in need.