Leah Lizarondo is the CEO and co-founder of Food Rescue Hero and 412 Food Rescue, social enterprises with a technology, logistics and civic engagement model that aims to fight hunger and promote sustainability by preventing perfectly good food from entering the waste stream and directly distributing to organizations that benefit those who are food insecure. Founded in 2015, 412 Food Rescue is one of the fastest-growing food recovery organizations in the U.S. Creating the infrastructure for national retailers.
Leah’s work at 412 Food Rescue has been featured in national media including NPR, Fast Company, FoodTank, Martha Stewart Living, Food & Wine, Saveur, Organic Life, Bust Magazine, Redbook, and Civil Eats. In April 2014, she gave the TEDx Talk “Why the Farm Is Not Getting to the Table.” Leah was named in FoodTank‘s “17 Food Heroes to Inspire Us in 2017″ and in 2018 she was named “Pittsburgher of the Year” by Pittsburgh City Paper.
Because of Leah’s aforementioned passion and commitment to the underserved, her role as Honorary Chair of Sojourner House’s 16th Annual Victorian Tea is a natural fit.
SH: How did you first learn of Sojourner House? Why did you decide to support Sojourner House as its Victorian Tea honorary chair?
Leah: I have known of Sojourner House from my work as CEO of Dress for Success in Pittsburgh, supporting women re-entering the workforce. I am honored to serve as chair for this year’s event – my commitment to support women going through the most challenging circumstances continues to this day.
SH: Why do you think Sojourner House is an important organization to support?
Leah: As a mother of three, my children are the center of my universe. Sojourner House’s mission demonstrates deep empathy for the love of a mother for her children. The support of a mother going through recovery while preserving her connection to her children is the most humane support we can give to mothers.
SH: MOMS-Sankofa is on the list of 412 Food Rescue’s non-profit partners! How does the mission of 412 Food Rescue support that of Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS (MOMS-Sankofa is part of the latter).
Leah: Every opportunity we have to alleviate one more worry is support that goes a long away. Food is a basic need. We can help with that. So mothers can focus on the journey that they are on.