Guest Article from Master Recycler Frances Bubalo, Class 54
After learning about Milk Crate Kitchen from the Master Recycler’s Food Waste Prevention April Workshop, my spouse (Joseph Bubalo, Master Recycler Class 96) and I have been volunteering weekly at Milk Crate Kitchen using rescued food from sources such as Farmer’s Markets, restaurants, local farms, food pantries, and grocers to create nutrient dense meals for individuals facing income, housing and food insecurity.
In 2025, Milk Crate Kitchen gleaned over 32,000 pounds of food, which otherwise would have ended up in a landfill. Instead they were able to convert that embodied energy into 20,000 meals for our community including low income housing sites, community partners such as Michelle’s Love, Rahab Sisters, JOIN and two PPS Community schools - Rosa Parks and Grout Elementary.
There are many different opportunities to help, ranging from gleaning to food prep and packaging to meal delivery. There is no ongoing volunteer commitment nor any special skill required. You choose and sign up as your time allows and when it coincides with an open day on their schedule.
One week we used pasta donations from the free food pantry, Lift Up, combined with rescued vegetables and herbs from the Montavilla Farmer’s Market and canned tomatoes gleaned from the Ronald McDonald House and NE Emergency Food Program to create several hundred grab and go portions of Beef Ravioli in marinara sauce. These meals were distributed to 6 community partners including the Hollywood block division of the Portland Mutual Aid Network and several PPS schools.
Please consider getting involved or donating to this inspiring organization: Milk Crate Kitchen.