Homeless and hungry people in south Florida will have a chance to dine on restaurant-quality beef tenderloin and barbecue chicken -- and 30,000 pounds of food won't be thrown in a landfill -- thanks to the first-ever effort to rescue leftover food from Super Bowl LIV.

Volunteers loaded dozens of trucks with leftovers from the big game.Food Rescue US/Facebook

Starting Monday morning, volunteers with Food Rescue US, Centerplate Hospitality, and the NFL Green initiative scoured the catered VIP sections, concession stands, and suites at Hard Rock Stadium for un-purchased and untouched food. That included everything from prepared dishes like wings, ribs, and brisket to unopened charcuterie trays and even fresh vegetables. The food was loaded onto trucks, and shipped to five local shelters.

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"It's a full volunteer job for everyone. We just want to help people in need," Food Rescue US Miami director Ellen Bowen told ESPN. "It's amazing to see how much food there is that otherwise would have been thrown in the trash that can now feed so many people." Bowen says the rescued food could feed up to 20,000 people.

Trays of untouched ribs, chicken, sliders and beef tenderloin were shipped to homeless shelters.CBS Miami

Local college students studying hospitality were among the volunteers. "What's great about volunteering is that you not only see the food you're picking up," Bowen told CBS Miami. "At the other end you're seeing the social service agencies, the people living in shelters, the homeless who are getting amazing good food."

"That food has changed their lives." Ellen Bowen, Food Rescue US

NFL Green often does sustainable projects at the Super Bowl, but Bowen said this is the first major food recovery effort. The social service agencies that will receive the food are Miami Rescue Mission, Broward Outreach Center, Broward Partnership for the Homeless, Lotus House Shelter and Camillus House.

Organizers are already talking about doing post-game food recovery at next year's Super Bowl LV in Tampa.