Programs
Food Recovery & Waste Reduction
Common Ground Ministries rescues more than 100,000 pounds of food each year from grocers in Northeast Pennsylvania — redirecting good food to families in need, farm animals, or compost instead of the landfill. Supported by a PA DEP Food Recovery Infrastructure Grant.
Good food shouldn't be thrown away
Grocery stores must pull food as it approaches its sell-by date — fruit platters, produce, bakery items — food that is still perfectly good but too expensive for many families to buy. We pick it up and distribute it within a day.
Whatever can't be eaten feeds farm animals or becomes compost for the Garden of Eating. Nothing is wasted. In 2026 we received a $50,000 Food Recovery Infrastructure Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection — the only pantry in Carbon County to receive one — funding a dedicated van for recovery pickups.
Grocers & farms: partner with us
If your store, restaurant, or farm has surplus food, we can put it on someone's table instead of in a dumpster. Businesses like WestRock already donate turkeys and hams for families. Reach out and we'll arrange pickup.
Free groceries by curbside pickup, with delivery for neighbors who can’t get to us.