RUTLAND, Vt. (WCAX) - At 80 years old, John Pedone isn’t slowing down, making daily rounds to collect unsold food for hungry families served by the Salvation Army community center in Rutland.

“We’re going to Kentucky Fried Chicken,” Pedone said during a recent pickup run.

Pedone has been running the center for three years, a role he describes as a “baptism by fire.” After a long career in management, he now puts in full days that often leave him exhausted. “Especially days like this,” Pedone said.

KFC is just one of many stops where Pedone picks up unsold food, ensuring it doesn’t go to waste. A recent haul included 24 chickens and two biscuits, destined to fill the freezer back at the office, ready for those in need.

The Massachusetts native quickly learned the ropes of running the re

See Full Page