Impactful Disruption - How 412 Food Rescue Uses Technology to Solve Two Wicked Problems

Leah Lizarondo

Leah is the CEO and Cofounder of 412 Food Rescue, a technology and logistics organization setting the standard for retail food recovery. Leah received her graduate degree in Public Policy & Technology from Carnegie Mellon University. Founded in 2015, 412 Food Rescue is the fastest-growing food recovery organization in the U.S. Creating the infrastructure for national retailers, 412 Food Rescue has prevented over 3 million pounds of food from going to waste via technology that mobilizes over 4,000 drivers--food rescue heroes--the largest volunteer food transport network in a single urban region. 412 Food Rescue's innovative distribution model bridges the last mile and significantly impacts access and food security.



Set to expand globally, her work at 412 Food Rescue has been featured in national media including NPR, Food & Wine, Saveur, Organic Life, Bust Magazine, Success Magazine and Civil Eats.



In April 2014, she gave the TEDx Talk “Why the Farm Is Not Getting to the Table.” In 2017, she was named in FoodTank‘s “17 Food Heroes to Inspire Us in 2017" and SmartBusiness “Who To Watch” as one of the individuals “poised to shape the Pittsburgh region in 2017 and beyond.” In 2018, she received the "Women of Influence" Award from the Pittsburgh Business Times.