Food Recovery and Donation
The California Department of Food and Agriculture estimates that 30-40% of the State’s food supply is wasted, with Californians discarding about 6 million tons of food annually. When food and other organic waste decomposes it emits methane gas, a harmful climate pollutant. To reduce methane emissions, former Governor Jerry Brown set targets through Senate Bill 1383 (SB1383), to address unnecessary organic waste.
A significant source of organic waste comes from commercial food providers. Under SB 1383, commercial food providers are separated into two tiers. Tier One food generators include businesses like grocery stores, wholesale food vendors, food distributors, and food service providers. Tier One food generators supply produce, shelf-stable foods, baked goods, frozen items, and prepackaged meals. Since 2022, these businesses have been required to donate excess edible food that would otherwise be thrown away. Local organizations like Food Share of Ventura County help coordinate these donations, with volunteers picking up the food for later distribution.
Tier Two businesses include larger restaurants, hotels, hospitals, schools, and large venues. SB 1383 required these businesses to begin donations in 2024. These establishments typically have more prepared or cooked foods to donate, which must be handled carefully to meet food safety standards. However, the types of donations from Tier Two businesses have varied, with many unsellable prepared items being given to employees instead of being discarded. Local organizations including churches and food pantries have been instrumental in managing donations and ensuring they reach those in need regardless of donation type.
In anticipation of these new requirements, The City and Athens Services have awarded grants to local food recovery organizations to purchase equipment and boost food recovery efforts. The City has also partnered with Careit, a service that connects food generators with food recovery organizations.
Food waste not only impacts the climate, but it wastes the significant resources used for its production including— water, fuel, and fertilizer. If you would like to learn more about food recovery and ways to participate, including at home, please visit our City website or contact the Sustainability Division at gogreen@toaks.gov.