In a moment blending celebration and symbolism, Matt Jozwiak, the founder and CEO of Rethink Food, rang the closing bell on Jan. 24, 2024, alongside Rethink’s co-founder Daniel Humm, who is also the chef and owner of three-star Michelin restaurant Eleven Madison Park.
Eleven Madison Park restaurateur and Rethink Food partner Daniel Humm rang the bell at the Nasdaq MarketSite located in New York City’s iconic Times Square. The day marked a significant milestone for Jozwiak and Humm Rethink Food, a nonprofit organization dedicated to feeding those in need in New York and Miami while preventing nourishing food from going to waste.
“Our mission at Rethink Food is to create a more sustainable and equitable food system, working with small businesses and restaurants and partners across the food system to repurpose viable access food into nutritious, cultur ally celebrated meals for food insecure communities,” Matt Jozwiak said at the Nasdaq podium.
Humm also expressed his appreciation for being part of the bell-ringing tradition. “I’m so excited to be here today with Eleven Madison Park and Rethink,” Humm remarked during the ceremony. “This work has really changed my life. Food is such a powerful language and it touches everyone.”
While ringing the Nasdaq bell is typical ly reserved for companies on its list, notable nonprofits are occasionally invited to be part of the memorable ceremony.
“We’re incredibly proud of everything we have built with our incredible network of restaurant partners, food businesses, community-based organizations, and supporters to make a real, tangible impact in our community,” Rethink Food shared on its Instagram account. “Let’s continue ringing for change!”
Kristina Ayanian, executive producer and host of Nasdaq’s Live from MarketSite series, celebrated Rethink Food’s community contributions. “NYC-based and network-growing nonprofit Rethink Food has been on a mission to create a more sustainable and equitable food system by bridging the gap between excess food and local communities impacted by food insecurity,” Ayanian said.
“Thirty-eight million people in the United States lack reliable access to nutritious meals, while 108 billion pounds of the nation’s food supply goes uneaten. That results in 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. However, since 2017, Rethink Food has distributed over $50 million to small businesses in the communities that they serve. They’ve converted over 2.2 million pounds of viable excess food across the food system into community meals in its sustainable kitchen. All while doing so, Rethink Food has been working with cities, states, and the government to advocate for systemic change. I think that deserves a round of applause. That’s incredible.”
Matt Jozwiak’s Journey To The Nasdaq
Matt Jozwiak’s journey is as inspiring as it is unique. A former chef at some of New York’s top restaurants, he witnessed firsthand the vast amounts of unused food in the culinary industry. This experience, combined with a deep understanding of the pervasive issue of the hunger problem in the U.S., led him to establish Rethink Food.
Under his leadership, Rethink Food has revolutionized the model for addressing hunger. The organization repurposes excess food from restaurants, grocery stores, and corporate kitchens, transforming it into nutritious meals for those in need.
In 2023 alone, Rethink Food saved more than 680,000 pounds of food and converted it into nutrient-rich meals.
“In 2023, Rethink Food celebrated its sixth anniversary,” Matt Jozwiak shared in a statement on rethinkfood.org. “We kicked off the year reaching an incredible milestone of providing 10 million meals, and were privileged to receive declarations from NYC Mayor Eric Adams and NYC Council Speaker Adrienne E. Adams — proclaiming March 27th as ‘Rethink Food Day’.’ At Rethink Food, we are committed to ensuring everyone who chooses New York as their home can access a dignified, high-quality meal.”
Rethink Food’s impact is tangible. Since its inception, the organization has provided millions of meals to communities in need. By repurposing food waste, Rethink Food has significantly contributed to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions associated with food decomposition in landfills.
Looking ahead, his vision for Rethink Food is ambitious. The organization continues to expand its reach, partnering with more food suppliers, and innovating its model to address hunger on a larger scale.
Beyond the Bell
As the bell echoed through Times Square, it resonated as a reminder of the power of innovative thinking in tackling some of society’s most pressing challenges. Matt Jozwiak’s appearance at the Nasdaq MarketSite was more than a ceremonial gesture; it was a testament to the growing influence of social entrepreneurs in the global market and a clarion call for more sustainable and equitable food systems.
Through Rethink Food, Jozwiak continues to blend culinary expertise with humanitarian zeal, proving that with creativity and commitment, we can indeed make the world a better place, one meal at a time.
“Partnership is at the core of achieving our mission, and again this year, we’ve seen the power of community that makes New York City so unique,” the CEO said. “We are so grateful for your ongoing support of Rethink Food and those we serve.”
