Evan Lutz

Evan Lutz is a prominent social entrepreneur and the CEO & Founder of Hungry Harvest, a company dedicated to combating food waste and hunger. Based in Baltimore, Maryland, Lutz established Hungry Harvest in 2014 with the mission of rescuing surplus produce that would otherwise go to waste due to cosmetic standards or overproduction. The company delivers these fruits and vegetables directly to consumers through a subscription model, operating in several states across the U.S..13

Background and Education

Lutz graduated from the University of Maryland where he initially founded a project called Food Recovery CSA, aimed at redistributing surplus food to students. His experiences there inspired him to tackle broader food waste issues, leading to the creation of Hungry Harvest.23

Achievements

Under Lutz's leadership, Hungry Harvest has made significant strides:

• Rescued over 27 million pounds of produce from waste.
• Donated or subsidized more than 1.5 million pounds of food to those in need.36
• Featured in major media outlets such as NPR and the Washington Post, Lutz has received accolades including being named in Forbes' 30 Under 30 for social entrepreneurship and Baltimore's 40 Under 40.147

Business Model

Hungry Harvest operates by sourcing "ugly" or surplus produce from local farms and wholesalers, which is then packaged into customizable boxes for delivery. This model not only reduces food waste but also provides affordable, healthy food options to communities often lacking access.57

Lutz's innovative approach has garnered attention and investment, including a recent Series A funding round that raised $13.7 million to further expand the company's impact.6 His work exemplifies a commitment to sustainability and social responsibility within the food industry.