Food Donations

FOOD DONATIONS

As part of Senate Bill (SB) 1383, Edible Food Generators (considered Tier 1 and Tier 2) must recover the maximum amount of edible food that would otherwise be disposed of, arrange for food donation and collection through contracts or written agreements with food recovery organizations or services, and maintain food donation records. For more information on SB 1383, please visit AthensServices.com/SB-1383.

WHY SHOULD BUSINESSES DONATE FOOD?

The USDA states that up to 40% of food in the United States goes uneaten1, while CalRecycle reports that food accounts for 18% of waste in California landfills2. Through anaerobic decomposition, this waste produces the second-largest source of human-related methane in California. In Los Angeles County, 1.1 million people have limited access to food, making the County the largest food-insecure population in the United States3.

Feed People, Not Landfills! The World Food Summit defines food security as existing when all people, at all times, have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life. One in seven Americans struggles with food insecurity, not knowing where their next meal will come from4. As of 2020, 8 million people in California are food insecure5.

DONATION BENEFITS

According to an analysis by the Green Restaurant Association, a single restaurant can produce approximately 25,000 to 75,000 pounds of food waste in one year 6.

By donating edible food, businesses may:

• Receive tax incentives. Speak to your financial advisor and food recovery partner about potential tax benefits and savings.
• Minimize food insecurity. Help others maintain a healthy and active life.
• Decrease waste collection. Reduce overall waste disposal at a business by donating edible food.
• Comply with state and local waste mandates. For more information, click here.
• Reduce food waste in landfills. Lessen negative environmental impacts.