Within just the first half of 2025, Emerald Coast Food Rescue distributed 1.59 million pounds of rescued food, representing a 49% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Strengthened by our expanding food donor network, increased community demand, and streamlined logistics, every month between January and June has shown double-digit growth. The increase in food volume not only demonstrates operational growth – it also means more fresh, nutritious food reaching thousands of individuals and families across Okaloosa and Walton Counties who rely on ECFR as a consistent source of support.
Food Pound Yearly Breakdown
| 2025 | 2024 |
| Month | Pounds | Cumulative Total | Pounds | Difference | Growth |
| January | 207,905 | 207,905 | 174,593 | 32,952 | 19% |
| February | 269,541 | 477,446 | 146,110 | 123,431 | 84% |
| March | 257,695 | 735,141 | 150,965 | 106,730 | 71% |
| 1st Quarter Total | 735,141 | 472,028 | 263,113 | 56% |
| April | 287,865 | 1,023,006 | 173,745 | 114,120 | 66% |
| May | 296,619 | 1,319,625 | 188,575 | 108,044 | 57% |
| June | 274,474 | 1,594,099 | 233,101 | 41,373 | 18% |
| 2nd Quarter Total | 858,958 | 595,421 | 263,537 | 44% | |
| Mid-Year Total: | 1,594,099 | 1,067,449 | 526,650 | 49% |
Food Donation Breakdown
| Product | Pounds | Product | Pounds |
| Produce | 458,064 | Deli | 45,451 |
| Bakery | 250,385 | Dry Goods | 183,598 |
| Dairy | 43,896 | Frozen | 87,151 |
| Meats | 502,200 | Other | 23,354 |
Food Distribution Chart
| Month | Pounds (Walton) | Pounds (Okaloosa) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 92,978 | 114,927 |
| February | 101,561 | 167,980 |
| February | 86,900 | 170,795 |
| April | 91,555 | 196,310 |
| May | 78,992 | 217,627 |
| June | 87,281 | 187,193 |
| 539,267 | 1,054,832 | |
| Total Donated to both counties | 1,594,099 |
Emerald Coast Food Rescue has connected 1.59 million pounds of rescued food to 45 feeding programs in Okaloosa and Walton County within the first six months of 2025. This distribution reflects not only the geographic spread of our partners but also our intentional focus on rural and high-need communities. As food insecurity continues to impact both counties, ECFR’s daily, no-cost deliveries ensure that fresh, nutritious food is consistently reaching the people and places that need it most – filling gaps and strengthening local response systems.
Valued Sponsors and Donors
Emerald Coast Food Rescue sustains its mission through a strong base of individual, foundation, and
corporate support. In 2024 alone, we raised $254,818.90 in direct contributions from donors across our
community and fundraisers and $181,200 in support from foundations and grants. In-kind contributions
totaled over $4.5 million, primarily in donated food from 29 grocery and retail partners last year.
Food Donors and Partner Food Banks
Feeding The Gulf Coast
WALMART – Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Niceville, Defuniak, Santa Rosa Beach, South Walton
SAM’S CLUB – Fort Walton Beach
PUBLIX – Fort Walton Beach (3), Destin (2), Niceville, Freeport, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach
WINN DIXIE – Fort Walton Beach, Sandestin, Defuniak
TARGET – Mary Esther, Destin
ALDI’S – Fort Walton Beach (2)
WHOLE FOODS -Destin
FRESH MARKET –Destin
FLOWERS BAKERY – Fort Walton Beach
EGLIN COMMISSARY
HURLBURT COMMISSARY
CITY PRODUCE
New Recipient Food Program – Buscando Al Perdido
One of Emerald Coast Food Rescue’s top priorities this year is to ensure that the most underserved members of our community – especially those facing documentation challenges, language barriers, or cultural stigmas – have safe, dignified access to fresh food. Many families hesitate to seek help due to fear, misunderstanding, or past experiences that made them feel unwelcome. Our goal is to change that. We’re proud to welcome Buscando Al Perdido, a new church-based program in Fort Walton Beach, to our recipient network. This dedicated team is creating a safe food haven for Spanish-speaking households and others who may be excluded from traditional assistance programs. Through our daily deliveries, Buscando Al Perdido will now receive a regular supply of rescued food to distribute directly to their community – no questions asked. This partnership is part of a larger expansion effort. In the first half of 2025 alone, ECFR has added five new recipient programs to our delivery routes. Buscando Al Perdido is the first to directly address language and documentation-related barriers, and it marks a meaningful step toward making food assistance more inclusive, culturally responsive, and accessible for all.
Every $1 donated right now = 15 meals connected for free to local food programs
CLICK LINK ABOVE TO DONATE OR MAKE A CHECK TO
Emerald Coast Food Rescue
625 HARBOR BLVD # 9, DESTIN FL 32541
The cost to connect one meal, or pound of food, to a local food program, costs Emerald Coast Food Rescue 13 cents. Typically for every $1 donated to our work, our refrigerated food trucks are able to deliver 7.5 free meals to a local food program. Emerald Coast Food Rescue has an exceptional opportunity in 2025 to have the impact of every individual contribution under $15,000 doubled, up until a total of $100,000 is matched. This is the second year our head benefactor is making this generous offer to appeal for more direct public support.
