Bagel Rescue began as a solution to a problem; Today it is so much more. 

In December of 2020, founder Erin Stieglitz and her family were looking for a service project to spread holiday cheer. Due to COVID-19, past activities like serving at shelters was not possible so they decided to provide a meal to frontline hospital heroes. To be efficient, Erin suggested the family purchase bulk bagels, spreads, and OJ as a special breakfast treat. Her 9-year son would not hear of it, he wanted fresh bagels! So he called the manager of a bagel bakery himself to ask for help. The manager agreed to donate bagels from the prior day. They made a plan and when the day arrived, the bagel shop had hundreds of excess bagels to donate. The breakfast was a hit and the manager agreed to continue providing bagels once a week to hospital workers.

Erin had a nagging feeling about the waste they saw and she decided to do something about it.  She and a friend – Amy Wilensky – then set out on a mission to see where else excess bagels could be rescued and put to good use. Other bagel shops joined as more hunger relief programs signed up to receive weekly distributions. Soon Bagel Rescue had a small yet manageable schedule of rescues and deliveries. It felt good to be doing something helpful while so many people struggled during the pandemic.

Amy has since moved on from day-to-day operations, while Erin continues the mission as Chief Rescue Officer.

 

Fueled by volunteers, the program is constantly advancing new ways to help neighbors in need. Bagel Rescue is extremely grateful to those who champion food justice to help break the cycle of waste and pain

while creating a cycle of kindness and hope!