Food Recovery Organizations
A new California State law, SB 1383, aims to keep food and other compostable materials ("organics") out of landfills to reduce emissions that contribute to climate change. Under the law:
- Edible food currently composted or landfilled must be recovered and donated for people to eat,
- The remaining organics must be collected for composting
Food recovery & donation information: additional rules for large food-generating businesses, institutions, and public schools
By the dates listed below, these entities must:
- Recover the maximum amount possible of surplus edible food generated
- Partner with one or more food recovery organizations or services to pick up or receive your surplus edible food
- Have a written contract or agreement with the food recovery organization(s) or service(s)
- Track and maintain records of food recovered each month including type, frequency of collection and amounts in pounds
Type of Entity | Deadline for Compliance |
|---|---|
Large supermarkets, grocery stores, food service providers, food distributors, and wholesale food vendors (Tier 1) | January 1, 2022 |
Large health facilities, hotels, venues, event spaces, restaurants, state agency facilities, & schools with an on-site food facility (Tier 2) | January 1, 2024 |
Food Recovery Organizations & Services Directory for Contra Costa County
Vendor | Address | City | Service Area | Contact | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano | 4010 Nelson Avenue | Concord | Contra Costa County | Donate Now! Phone: 925 676-7543 info@foodbankccs.org | Acceptable donations: bread/bakery, deli, dairy , meat produce, dry good (canned, packed shelf stable) |
| Muffin People | 1001 Camino Pablo | Moraga | Lafayette, Orinda and Moraga | Contact: Jack Dice Phone: 925 376-7189 Pair-of-dice@att.net | Preference for produce, proteins, dairy items and eggs, but will accept all food types and baked goods. Also accepts flowers, toys and anything else that's new and usable. Delivers to working kitchens; will accept large quantities of sugar, flour, etc. |
| White Pony Express | 3380 Vincent Road #107 | Pleasant Hill | Contra Costa County | Phone: 925 322-0604 ext. 129 donatefood@whiteponyexpress.org | Preference for produce, dairy items, eggs, and proteins. Prefer not to receive any additional breads, baked goods, and deserts. |
| Bay Area Rescue Mission | 123 Macdonald Avenue | Richmond | SF Bay Area | Phone: 510 215-4869 info@bayarearescue.org | Accepts cooking oils, ground beef, eggs, fresh fruits/vegetables, canned vegetables (corn, peas), condiments, spices, and healthy grains/beans |
| Copia | SF Bay Area | Contra Costa County and regional Bay Area Food recovery and data tracking services for a fee | |||
| Replate | SF Bay Area | Contra Costa County and regional Bay Area Food recovery and data tracking services for a fee |
Food Distribution Maps
The County’s Health Services Department has developed a food distribution map identifying grocery and meal sites for students, seniors, and low-income individuals in need of food.
The Food Bank of Contra Costa County & Solano has also developed a hunger relief map that includes a list of their partner agencies that offer free food services.