Everything You Need to Take Action
Letter templates, research data, success stories, prayer resources, and the latest news from our campaigns — all in one place.
Letter Templates by Chain
Each template is professionally written, fact-checked, and tailored to the specific chain's stated values and sustainability commitments.
Walmart Letter
Tailored to Walmart's corporate sustainability commitments and "Project Gigaton" language.
Kroger Letter
References Kroger's Zero Hunger | Zero Waste pledge and asks for alignment with stated goals.
Target Letter
Highlights Target's ESG reporting and community investment priorities.
Publix Letter
Tailored to Publix's Florida community roots and employee-owner pride.
Aldi Letter
Focuses on Aldi's sustainability commitments and European donation precedents.
Costco Letter
References Costco's membership community values and bulk donation potential.
Campaigns That Worked
How One Campaign Got a Regional Grocery Chain to Donate
After 200 coordinated letters in 3 weeks, a regional mid-Atlantic grocery chain agreed to a 6-month pilot food donation program with a local food bank — now in its second year.
18,000 lbs rescued in Year 1
A Church Congregation That Sent 150 Letters in One Weekend
A faith community organized a "Letter Bombardment Sunday" and mailed 150 personal letters to a national chain's CEO within 48 hours. The chain acknowledged receipt within a week.
Follow-up meeting scheduled
Every Campaign Tells a Story of Hope
Latest Updates
Kroger Campaign Exceeds 500 Letters — Corporate Response Expected
Our Kroger letter drive surpassed its 500-letter milestone, triggering a formal review by Kroger's VP of Corporate Responsibility.
New Study: US Food Waste Hit Record 70 Million Tons in 2024
The latest ReFED report confirms a record year for food waste — making our work more urgent than ever.
The Barn Celebrates 30+ Years of Food Rescue
Uncle Barney's beloved food pantry marks over three decades of faithful service — and shows no signs of slowing down.
Bill Emerson Act: Why Retailers Have No Excuse Not to Donate
A detailed explainer on the liability protections that already exist for food donors — and why chains still hesitate.
Our Vision Document
Downloadable Reports & Resources
Arm yourself with the facts. Every report below strengthens the case for retailers to donate — download and share freely.
ReFED 2025 U.S. Food Waste Report
PDF · 4.2 MB
The most comprehensive annual accounting of U.S. food waste, covering retail, food service, and residential sectors with actionable solutions data.
~73.9 million tons of surplus food generated in 2023 — 85% ends up as waste rather than donation.
USDA Economic Research: Retail Food Loss Data
PDF · 2.8 MB
USDA ERS Loss-Adjusted Food Availability series — the federal benchmark showing retail and consumer food loss rates across all major food categories.
Retail food loss has remained near 31% of supply for decades — millions of pounds discarded daily despite being safe.
Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Act — Full Text
PDF · 0.5 MB
The federal law that shields food donors from civil and criminal liability. The single most important document in every letter bombardment campaign.
"A person shall not be subject to civil or criminal liability from the nature, age, or condition of apparently wholesome food donated in good faith."
EPA Wasted Food Report — Facts & Figures 2024
PDF · 1.9 MB
EPA's detailed breakdown of wasted food generation, management pathways, and the environmental impact of food going to landfill.
66.2 million tons wasted across retail, food service, and residential sectors — 59.8% went directly to landfills.
A Win for Humankind: Campaign Results Summary
PDF · 1.1 MB
Our own impact report — 150+ volunteers, 8+ tons rescued weekly, and the full vision for One Tree's national refrigerated hub network.
From a single South Bronx barn to a national mission: how prayer, persistence, and letter campaigns multiply the loaves.
Letter Templates
Personalized letters for each major retailer, ready to download and send. Your signature adds power to every campaign.
Prayer Resources
From the beginning, Uncle Barney's mission was rooted in prayer. We continue that tradition — believing that faithful, persistent prayer accompanies every letter sent and every meal rescued.
Weekly prayer intention for our campaigns (emailed to subscribers)
Novena for the hungry — downloadable prayer booklet
Miraculous Medal prayer in honor of Uncle Barney's devotion
Monthly virtual prayer circle — open to all faiths
Scripture reflections on stewardship and food justice
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
— Matthew 7:7
Our prayer intention this month: That the hearts of corporate leaders be moved to see their surplus food not as waste — but as an opportunity to serve the least among us.
Video Resources
Video content coming soon
Campaign documentaries, volunteer spotlights, and more