The philanthropic food distribution system in this country is huge and highly organized; it has to be, given the immensity of the problem, the perishability of foodstuffs, and the way it works — i.e., rescuing food from businesses that must manage their surpluses as waste, and transferring it quickly and efficiently to food pantries, shelters and other “retail” charitable programs. Food for Free (FFF), now in its 25th year, is a food-rescuer, “bridging the gap between waste and want.” It annually transfers 640,000 pounds of fruit, vegetables and bread from farmers’ markets, grocery stores and the New England Produce Center, to more than 40 local food programs in Boston, Cambridge and Somerville. That amounts to 500,000 meals annually for about 16,000 people per month, at a cost of 30 cents per pound — 19% of the wholesale cost. FFF also makes home deliveries to about 40 ill or disabled people who are unable to get to pantries, and grows part of its own produce in its Field of Greens program. Being a “bridge” may not be the most dramatic or sympathetic role to play; this organization needs sophisticated donors to appreciate the importance and value of what it does. Are you one of those?