FIFA partnered with organizations, including the Everywhere Project in Philadelphia, to rescue and redistribute surplus food from match operations.
According to co-founder Jen Shinefeld, the effort recovered 20,000 pounds of leftover boxed lunches and snacks intended for staff working matches, as well as players and coaches.
To store and distribute the food, the Everywhere Project partnered with the Garden of Health food pantry.
"These are pallets and pallets of things," Shinefeld said. "They cleared out freezer space for us to be able to go. So after we're doing these pickups in Philadelphia, we're driving out to North Wales."
She said the food pantry has played a key role in getting the donated food to the people it serves.
"And they're distributing food among the people that they serve, as well as allowing us to come in and distribute as well," Shinefeld said.
The nonprofit has helped more than 1,000 people by distributing food in Kensington and Center City in Philadelphia, as well as in Ambler, Montgomery County.
Shinefeld said the donations have provided valuable support at a time when many families are struggling.
"Times are tough, and a lot of people have also had benefits cut with everything that's going on, and just anything is helpful at this point," she said.
She added that the recovered food allows the organization to offer fresh options to those it serves.
"It's always great to have something that's fresh. Not just a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, we're able to offer a pasta salad, tomatoes, salads, things like that," Shinefeld said.
Organizers say the effort helps reduce food waste while providing meals to people in need, and demonstrates how major tournaments can make a difference in local communities.