Bishop Shanahan graduate Derek Fiorenza founded Fiorenza’s Food for Friends (F4) a decade ago to help fight food insecurity in the region, writes Michael Bradley for Main Line Today.

Each year, the nonprofit provides up to a million pounds of food to food banks in Pennsylvania and parts of New York. Fiorenza works with caterers, restaurants, and various other businesses to collect any extra food they may have and distribute it to those who are struggling.

In 2007, Fiorenza was volunteering at a Chester County Historical Society event when he approached the caterer and asked if he could spare 25 meals for a local shelter. The answer was affirmative.

He continued with that practice, and by 2010, he had gotten various businesses to donate 1,500 meals. The next May he started F4.

The organization is privately funded by businesses and individuals. It also raises funds through a gala and 5K.

“We don’t charge a fee or commission for anything we distribute,” Fiorenza said. “I have a lot, and I want to give back.”

Read more about Derek Fiorenza in Main Line Today here.