ICT Food Rescue was founded in 2016 by Stephanie Merritt with a simple but powerful objective: to bridge the gap between unavoidable food surplus and Wichita neighbors experiencing food insecurity. What began as a grassroots operation—Stephanie picking up meals herself and coordinating early rescues with a small group of supporters—quickly grew into a citywide movement rooted in community compassion, environmental responsibility, and the belief that good food should nourish people, not landfills. Guided by this mission, ICT Food Rescue became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Today, ICT Food Rescue operates a robust network of food donors, volunteer “rescuers,” and 19 nonprofit receiving agencies who together ensure that surplus food reaches the hands of people who need it most. The organization now oversees more than 100 scheduled rescues each week and has expanded its services into a comprehensive suite of community-centered programs. These include the Food Recovery Program, which coordinates daily surplus pickups and connects rescued food to local nonprofits; the Upcycle Program, where rescued ingredients are transformed into nourishing meals; Food For Thought, which educates households and businesses on food waste reduction; the Full Plate Project, which provides shelf-stable meal kits for individuals in transition; Game to Grub, which partners with hunters and processors to donate nutrient-dense game meat; and Plant A Row,a partnership with K-State Extension & The Master Gardeners which connects home gardeners, farmers, and community gardens to neighbors experiencing food insecurity.

Over the years, ICT Food Rescue has evolved from a simple rescue effort into a multifaceted community organization that addresses food waste, food insecurity, and sustainable access to nutritious meals. With dedicated volunteers, strong partnerships, and innovative programming, ICT Food Rescue continues to expand its reach and strengthen Wichita’s local food system. What began as a grassroots idea in 2016 has grown into a collaborative citywide effort that rescues hundreds of thousands of pounds of food each year, reduces environmental waste, and delivers dignity, nourishment, and connection across the community. The organization remains committed to the belief that by working together, Wichita can feed people—not landfills—and build a future where surplus food becomes a resource for hope.