How can you implement a food recovery program in your establishment?

2 Set your goals and policies

The second step is to set your goals and policies for your food recovery program. You should define what types of food you can donate, how much you aim to donate, and how often you will donate. You should also establish clear guidelines and procedures for handling, storing, labeling, and transporting your surplus food, following the food safety standards and regulations in your area. You should communicate your goals and policies to your staff, suppliers, and customers, and train them on how to implement them.

3 Find your donation partners

The third step is to find your donation partners, such as food banks, shelters, soup kitchens, or schools, that can accept and distribute your surplus food to people in need. You can use platforms such as Food Rescue US, Feeding America, or MealConnect to connect with potential recipients in your area. You should also check the liability protection laws in your state, such as the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act, that protect you from legal risks when you donate food in good faith.

4 Implement your donation process

The fourth step is to implement your donation process, which involves collecting, sorting, packing, and delivering your surplus food to your donation partners. You should designate a specific area and time for preparing your food donations, and use appropriate containers and labels to indicate the type, quantity, and date of the food. You should also coordinate with your donation partners on the best way to transport your food, whether by your own vehicles, volunteers, or third-party services.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?