Feb 2026 Newsletter
Attempting to sum up Restoration Bridge International’s mission in just a few sentences is an impossible task. Our mission is deep, purposeful, and as varied as the millions of individuals we impact each year. Words oftentimes fall short in conveying the transformative spirit found at our events—the tangible shift from despair to relief—but still, I encourage you to read on with curiosity and empathy. As you do, I invite you to allow your heart to align with ours as we share the “why” behind RBI:
Nearly every day, I am approached by curious people who ask me why Restoration Bridge International does what we do. Accurately and passionately conveying that “why” is something I take personally. RBI is driven by a conviction to provide a hand-up, not just a hand-out; we strive to provide immediate, reliable access to supplemental food that eases the daily burden of survival, creating the space our recipients need to address the underlying causes of their food insecurity. Our goal is to start a conversation, to truly understand each client’s individual “why,” and to partner with organizations that provide the specific resources they need whether that be employment, housing, transportation, mental and physical health services, spiritual guidance, or support for substance use disorders. We firmly believe that hunger is a problem that can be solved and that by addressing the whole person, we can help our neighbors move from a place of scarcity to one of stability.
At Restoration Bridge, the “why” isn’t found in the numbers or the logistics, but in the quiet moment a mother realizes she doesn’t have to skip dinner so her children can eat. Since 2005, Restoration Bridge International has been driven by the simple, profound principle of loving and serving our neighbors as we would wish to be treated and served ourselves. We see the person behind the need, recognizing that food insecurity is a temporary bridge that anyone might need to cross. RBI provides more than just a meal, we offer a restored sense of dignity to the individual, honoring their struggle with compassionate action. We do this because we believe that no one should face the fear of an empty cupboard alone, and by filling that gap, we foster the resilience and hope necessary for a healthier, hunger-free future for all.
While our mission is rooted in the “Golden Rule,” we recognize that compassion requires a foundation of rigorous logistical excellence to truly bridge the gap. In 2025, RBI translated this commitment into massive scale, averaging nearly 1.1 million pounds of rescued and redistributed food every single month. This effort reached over 1.3 million individuals, including those who visit our distribution events and the thousands more served through our network of dedicated community partners. We understand that behind these massive numbers are a myriad of unique “whys”; neighbors whose stories of struggle are met with a reliable supply of nutrition. By focusing on statistical impact, we ensure that our heart for service is matched by a head for efficiency, making certain that no resource is wasted when the need is so high.
Our business model is built on solving the critical disconnect between supply and demand. We identify perfectly good, surplus food that would otherwise be destined for a compost heap and strategically reroute it to the areas hardest hit by food insecurity. We intentionally target “food deserts” and economically strained neighborhoods where access to fresh produce is a luxury, specifically supporting seniors on fixed incomes, students, struggling families, and the unhoused. By overcoming the logistical hurdles that typically prevent nutritious food from reaching those who need it most, RBI has mastered a high-impact lean operation. Thanks to our strong partnerships, committed volunteers and purpose-driven team, we are able to rescue and redistribute one pound of food for under eight cents, ensuring that every contribution is maximized to restore dignity and provide sustenance.
Ending hunger is an audacious goal, but we firmly believe it is an achievable one when a community rises up together. We humbly invite you to join our team as a financial partner so that we can continue our work of bridging the gap from scarcity to sustenance. While every gift makes a difference, our recurring donors are the backbone of this mission; your consistent support allows RBI to strategically plan large-scale distribution events and respond to the areas of greatest need with precision and confidence. For a monthly gift of just $30—only $1 per day—you provide the resources to rescue and redistribute enough food for over 375 meals. By investing in this logistical bridge, you aren’t just providing a meal; you are providing the dignity, hope, and stability our neighbors need to thrive. Please join us in solving hunger by clicking the link below:
Restoration Bridge International (RBI) | Kindful
In Palm Beach County, the paradox of food insecurity is particularly sharp. Despite being home to some of the wealthiest zip codes in the country, the county faces significant challenges with hunger, often mirroring or exceeding state averages in specific categories like the “cost per meal.” Restoration Bridge is able to provide enough food for a meal for just under 9 cents!
This “grocery store sticker shock” hits middle- and low-income households the hardest, as food—unlike luxury spending—is a non-negotiable expense. For many, the rising cost of a meal means the disappearance of a financial safety net, leaving hardworking people just one unexpected bill away from an empty pantry. As the gap between wages and the cost of living widens, the burden of survival becomes heavier, turning a basic human necessity into a mounting crisis of affordability.
Jason Mandle
Executive Director,
Restoration Bridge International, Inc.