Our Beginnings

ICT Food Rescue began when founder Stephanie Merritt returned to college at the age of 46. The courses that she took to obtain her degree at Wichita State University in conjunction with a job where food surplus was thrown out every day inspired her to find a way to make a change. Merritt started small, just rescuing food surplus whatever and whenever she could. She found out that if she were to form a nonprofit organization the sky would be the limit. In February 2016, ICT Food Rescue (formerly known as Wichita Area Coalition for Kindness) came to life. Soon after Merritt began inviting friends to ride along on food rescues and even riding along on some rescues herself in bigger cities on the coasts. Now ICT Food Rescue is what it is today because of those that are passionate about feeding people and not landfills.

About Us & Our Mission

The number of people that are served annually via our services is currently at 242,285 (due to COVID19 that number is expected to decrease in 2020). We provide logistical support to save surplus food from stores, restaurants, and individuals. Our Mission is to distribute unavoidable food surplus, sharing with the food insecure of Wichita. We coordinate food “runners” who transport donated surplus to receiving non-profits. We are also an advocate for reducing food waste and bringing attention to food insecurity in the Wichita area.

Awards of Achievement

EXHIBITING INNOVATION AWARD (NONPROFIT CHAMBER OF SERVICE 2018)

This award recognizes a nonprofit organization that is using creative applications and nontraditional approaches to solving internal or community challenges. This award is intended to honor true innovation in the work of a nonprofit.

LEADERSHIP THROUGH ACTION AWARD (HUMANKIND 2020)

For nearly 70 years, HumanKind Ministries has brought the community together for the Humanitarian Awards to celebrate individuals and organizations doing exceptional work to help the less fortunate—everyday people going out of their way to help someone just because it’s the right thing to do. We hope you are as touched by their work as we have been and inspired to spread kindness in your own way!