Food rescue lessens hunger, helps environment By David Werning
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After reading Laudato Sí, Pope Francis’ encyclical on caring for the earth, Elizabeth Acevedo asked herself, “Where do I fit in?” It’s precisely the question Pope Francis wants the reader to ask: “All of us can cooperate as instruments of God for the care of creation, each according to his or her own culture, experience, involvements and talents.” (No. 14). Acevedo manages the Catholic Charities food pantry in East Chicago, Indiana, which is in Lake County and the Diocese of Gary. She said that Pope Francis made her think about how she, from her place in the world, can implement the vision of Laudato Sí.
It’s not just about the weather, Acevedo said. “With the resources that I have – which is the food – I’m a part of making a difference and making a change. Now I tell our donors and volunteers, we’re not only feeding people; we’re also saving the environment.” According to Acevedo, every day in the United States 197 million pounds of edible food goes into landfills and begins to decay, emitting harmful toxins into the environment (See feedingamerica.org). She is determined to lower that number by getting food to people who are hungry. Her solution involves three main efforts: getting the word out, connecting to other programs in the com-
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