Ohio -- Here in Ohio, people are going hungry every day. 

One in seven people​ struggles with hunger. On the other hand, we also live in a country where roughly 40 percent of Americans’ food goes to waste. 

One non-profit in Northeast Ohio is  embracing technology to take excess food from retailers and get it to those who need it most.
 
For Cleveland resident Adam Croft, there's a simple reason why he uses the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland's new Food Rescue app to volunteer. 

  • One in seven people in Ohio struggle with hunger
  • The program helps take excess food from retailers and get it to those who need it most
  • The app is available for both Apple and Android devices


“Us people, we gotta look out for each other, we gotta help each other out," he said.
 
So when the Cleveland Clinic nurse has some free time, he picks up his phone and pulls up the app.

The program allows Croft and other users a chance to input their availability and vehicle size -- including bicycles. 

A typical pickup load ranges from 20 to 40 pounds.  

Then, they can receive notifications when food donors like Giant Eagle are getting rid of items that are slightly imperfect, but still edible and nutritious. 

After a user accepts a rescue, they receive explicit directions on how to go to the store, pick up the items, and take the goods to one of the network’s 71 hunger centers.

 Those are locations where those in need can pick up food.

Aside from some emergency alerts, the notifications go out a day before the scheduled pickup, giving users flexibility in planning their schedule.
 
“The technology really helps us coordinate a much larger group of volunteers, a much larger group of donors and nonprofits, and connecting them all together," said Lynne Hutchison, program director of the Hunger Network. 
 
The method is modeled after a similar app in Pittsburgh.

It takes about up to an hour in total to complete the process, offering a chance to give back without a huge time commitment. Rescues are currently offered five days a week. Users can sign up quickly, but are required to complete additional training on their phones after about five rescues. 
 
For volunteer Croft, it’s a quick way to do his part to help solve the hunger problem.
 
“In a high tech society, where we have all these tools that can fix that," he said. "We should be trying our best to make a difference and make sure people are fed, that’s the biggest thing." 
 
Nearly 200 users have downloaded the app in its first two weeks.
 
The program is available for both Apple and Android in their respective app stores.