Food rescue does not involve superheroes in capes. Also called food recovery, it is the 
practice of retrieving edible food that would otherwise go to waste and distributing it to those in need. In most cases, the recovered food is perfectly edible, but not sellable. For example, it’s day old bread or bagged lettuce past its “sell-by” date. Often, it’s in great shape (as you can see in these photos).
The food that recovery agencies pick up is donated by supermarkets, restaurants and farms. In most cases, the rescued food is being saved from the dumpster and, ultimately, the landfill. Food recovered on farms is kept from being plowed under. On farms, the donations often must be harvested, or gleaned, by volunteers.
Businesses that participate receive tax benefits for their donations, freedom from liability lawsuits thanks to the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act and the warm, fuzzy feeling that comes from doing the right thing. Heck, you may even receive positive publicity in the local press and on this site.
If you’re a restauranteur, supermarket supervisor or farmer who doesn’t enjoy throwing away food, there’s probably a food recovery organization near you willing to pick up your extras. The US Department of Agriculture used to operate a phone line 1-800-GLEAN-IT) to provide assistance in finding food recovery agencies. But since they now redirect you to the private non-profit, the Society of St. Andrew, you may as well just call those helpful folks at 1-800-333-4597.
If you’re just an interested party, you can still help. It’s easy and rewarding to get involved. As a volunteer, I have gleaned unharvested crops and picked up supermarket and from supermarkets. I’m currently trying to find food donation sources for a homeless shelter.
hola my name is kelley and im in the seventh grade. Our class is apart of project citizen, it is where you find a problem in you community and try to fix the problem. I am writing to you today to ask your help. We are trying to find alternative ideas for the use of food waste. Could you please tell me some ideas that are taking place to use up food wastage. Thank you for your time just email me back at the above email adress!
Sincere regrets,
KELLEY HARRIS
Kudos to you for being aware of this problem in our country … the US already produces enough food to feed every citizen, but so much of it is wasted. I work for the Food Bank of Central New York, and we encourage our member food pantries to run an “open choice” pantry, letting families pick what they need and want instead of prepacking boxes. We also run a service called “Second Helpings,” where prepared, uneaten food is frozen for us by restaurants and caterers — we pick the food up and deliver it directly to our member soup kitchens, emergency shelters, and other places that serve hot meals to those in need. Our “Fresh Foods” program picks up donated perishables daily from grocery stores and delivers them to sites where people wait hours for the chance to take home fruits and vegetables, milk, juice, etc. Finally, we work with local growers wherever possible to glean their fields after their harvest, bringing what won’t be sold to people who can’t afford to buy. Thank you for helping us spread the word about getting good food to those that need it!
What about adding Food Not Bombs to the list of Food Recovery Groups? Glean it, cook it, give it away!
Good point, Jon. I’ve been delinquent in getting those links up; There are so many worthy groups. Just call me a de”link”quent.
Hi, I’m soon to become a restauranteur and would love to donate food rather than waste it. Do you know of any similar food wastage collection schemes in the UK/London? I can’t seem to find any.
Jonathan -
I love the work you are doing and the light, refreshing tone of your blog. I can’t wait to read your book!
I’m sure you know about the Food Bank for New York City, which is a little different from the food rescue operations described here. They often receive food a few months /before/ the expiration date: the companies producing it consistently overproduce and know they won’t be able to distribute the cereal, crackers, tomatoes, rice, etc. in time for the date on the box. Lucky for food programs in NYC, the manufacturers donate it to the Food Bank, but I’m sure there are tons of food in America that don’t end up in such an honorable place. I spent a fascinating Saturday there a few weeks ago: http://fixproject.squarespace.com/fix/2008/3/6/food-rescue.html.
Scrambing Eggs, I would contact defra about UK recycling.
Megan, thanks for sharing that interesting recap of your volunteering. For those who haven’t already done so, I’d recommend reading it.