Out of a Jam

07/08/2026

We are so grateful for the St. Joseph Community Health Foundation. Their donation goes so far in our aligned value of responding to our community's needs. Their generosity is evident in the ways they care for the people of Fort Wayne.

07/07/2026

🚨 Did you know? More than 45% of Indiana’s food waste ends up in a landfill. Even more surprising, 257,000 tons come from our own homes.

When food is buried in a landfill without oxygen, it doesn’t simply decompose—it produces methane, a powerful greenhouse gas.

So here’s your friendly reminder: 🥫 Check those pantry shelves. 📅 Don’t let perfectly good food go to waste!

If you have food you won’t use but is still safe to eat, we’d love to rescue it before it becomes waste. Food rescue is at the heart of our mission.

💚 In June alone, we rescued nearly 4,000 pounds of food and transformed it into delicious, nourishing meals for our community.

Together, we can keep good food out of landfills and on tables where it belongs. 🍽️ message us to schedule a drop off!

07/04/2026

Happy Birthday USA ❤️ stay safe friends and enjoy your holiday!

07/03/2026

What a wonderful group we had Tuesday evening to package meals! We had 17 volunteers for 75 minutes total and we packed 188 meals (or 752 servings), and we used 1504 pounds of food! And they did it all IN THE HEAT, with smiling faces. So grateful for our incredible volunteers and groups of friends who show up and have fun together.

07/02/2026

Happy International Joke Day! 😂

We all know laughter is good for the soul... so let's hear your best (family-friendly!) joke in the comments! ⬇️

We'll start:

🥔 Why did the potato cross the road?

Because it saw a fork up ahead! 🍴😆

Your turn! Bonus points if your joke is so cheesy it belongs on a grilled cheese sandwich. 🧀

07/01/2026

Because the need is ever-present—and seems to be growing every day—we’ve decided to expand our Kitchen Coordinator position from part-time to full-time!

If you know a foodie who is passionate about rescuing food, creating nutritious meals, and loving their neighbors well, send them our way. 💙

We’re looking for someone who believes food can do more than fill a plate—it can nourish, connect, and transform lives.

📍 Head to https://www.outofajamfw.org/careers to view the full job description and apply today.

We’re excited to grow our team and continue serving our community together! 🙌

Helping women and working aged teens in the Fort Wayne area with culinary education and live skills they can use for the rest of their lives. We know that once you're out of a jam, you can move forward successfully.

06/30/2026

Today, it is with heavy hearts, that we honor our dear friend and Out of a Jam Board member, Tina Bennett, who passed away.

Tina joined the Out of a Jam Board in 2019, but as I have often said, boards were not Tina’s passion. She deeply loved her family, her community, and especially Jesus. That love guided every conversation, every decision, and every life she touched.

Our co-founders, Paula and Bernie Kaufman, reflected on Tina's impact best: “What Tina had to say was always meaningful. She was a true thought leader and pivotal to helping connect Out of a Jam to important community leaders."

Her wisdom, humility, and unwavering faith helped shape our organization in ways that will continue to bless our community for years to come. Tina's legacy is not only found in the work she helped advance but in the kindness, grace, and servant's heart she demonstrated every day. She lived her faith boldly and loved others generously.

As we grieve this tremendous loss, we also celebrate a life well lived. We will pray and honor Tina this week and carry her legacy forward to our community, continuing the work she cared so deeply about.

To Tina's family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her, we extend our deepest prayers and heartfelt condolences.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:23

With love and gratitude,
Melanee Findley
Chairperson, Out of a Jam

06/29/2026

Whew... it's HOT out there! And if you've volunteered in our kitchen, you know it can feel like summer has moved indoors too!

If you're coming in to help this week, do yourself a favor and dress for the heat. Lightweight, comfortable clothing is a great idea. Please remember that closed-toe shoes are still required for everyone's safety.

We'll do our best to keep the fans going and the good vibes flowing. Thank you for braving the heat to help rescue food and serve our community. You all are the coolest part of the kitchen! ❤️

Stay hydrated, stay safe, and we'll see you soon!

06/28/2026

🌭☀️ It’s about to be hotter than some of our ovens… and with the holiday weekend almost here, we have to know… 👀

What’s the ONE dish that makes a summer cookout complete?

Are you the hero who shows up with the legendary potato salad? 🥔
The baked beans that disappear first? 🫘
Grandma’s secret pasta salad? 🥗
Or are you just crossing your fingers that someone else brings the deviled eggs? 😅

Tell us:
👉 What are you bringing?
OR
👉 What dish are you secretly hoping is already on the table when you arrive?

Let’s settle this once and for all… and yes, dessert absolutely counts. 🍉🍰🇺🇸👇

06/24/2026

We’re back in the classroom, everyone! Our Feeding Fort Wayne Kids classes are going strong this summer at the Boys & Girls Club in Huntington. It’s a place where education and nutrition come together, and where students are gaining valuable life skills that will help shape their future.
Last year, we reached 145 students, and the need continues to grow. From math support and food preparation skills to vocational training, these programs are designed to help the next generation build confidence, independence, and opportunity.
If you’re passionate about making a difference and want to help us continue growing this mission, we currently have an open coordinator position available. Check out the link below to learn more and apply! https://www.outofajamfw.org/careers