            
            Crafting Hope from Food Waste in America
        
                    In a nation where plenty coexists with scarcity, where hunger hides
                    behind the façade of plenty, Shredding Hunger emerges as a beacon of
                    change. Our story isn't just about providing food; it's about upcycling
                    food waste, supporting food banks, and making nourishment accessible to
                    all. Discover how Shredding Hunger is making an indelible mark in the
                    fight against hunger while transforming the way we view food production.

From Potato Fields to a Hunger-Free Nation

At the heart of Shredding Hunger lies a humble beginning and an unbreakable commitment. Our journey starts with Matt Spafford, CEO of Maple Ridge Foods, who grew up amidst potato fields in northern Wisconsin. From the very start, he understood the value of hard work and empathy, as his family toiled to make ends meet. "We had a nice farm, but we didn't have much money," he reminisces.

This childhood experience is the driving force behind Shredding Hunger's mission - to help those in need feed their families. We're not just talking about the homeless; we're talking about the "working poor" – individuals who hold jobs but struggle to put food on the table. Even some of our nation's heroes, the military, seek assistance from food pantries.

The Birth of Shredding Hunger: Turning Waste into Nourishment

Shredding Hunger was born out of necessity and a desire to combat food waste. In 2019, we started delivering food to a few food banks, but it was in 2020, during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, that our mission gained momentum. We observed food waste in government programs and recognized an opportunity to make a difference.

Matt Spafford decided to purchase cheese trim, often discarded, and turn it into shredded cheese. Shredded cheese, a grocery store staple, was notably missing from food banks. The response from food banks was overwhelmingly positive, and "Shredding Hunger" was officially introduced.

From "Shredding Hunger" to "Blocking Hunger": Expanding Our Reach

Our commitment didn't stop at shredded cheese. In 2021, we introduced "Blocking Hunger," offering 8-ounce cheese blocks to provide even more options to food banks and the communities they serve. The goal was clear: to offer affordable, nutritious choices to those in need.

A National Movement: Scaling Up for Impact

Our journey has taken us far. In 2022, we expanded our pilot program, laying the groundwork for a national distribution program. Feeding America invested $5 million to support access to cheese for food banks in multiple states, ensuring that this versatile and nutrient-rich food source is accessible to all.

The Impact of Shredding Hunger: Food for the Hungry, Hope for the Future

Shredding Hunger isn't just about numbers; it's about lives changed. Today, we deliver seven 40,000-pound truckloads of cheese every week, amounting to 800,000 pounds of cheese per month. That's 9.6 million pounds of cheese per year. This isn't just business; it's a mission that occupies 60% of Matt Spafford's time.

We've built invaluable relationships with cheese manufacturers and packaging companies, ensuring that our mission thrives. The impact isn't limited to food alone; it extends to reducing food waste, helping the environment, and, most importantly, making a tangible difference in the lives of those facing hunger.

Join the Journey, Make a Difference

At Shredding Hunger, our mission is clear: to ensure that no one goes to bed hungry. We believe in the power of food to nourish bodies and hearts. Join us in our journey to turn food waste into sustenance, to support food banks, and to make nutritious food accessible to all. Together, we can rewrite the story of hunger in America and craft a brighter, more nourished future for all.