Loaves & Fishes recovered more than 730,000 meals in 2024
via our A La Carte food recovery program.
Why Recover Food?
Nearly 1 in 3 people in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties is at risk of food insecurity. At the same time, a staggering 38% of all food in the United States — 235 million tons — goes unsold or uneaten every year.
The food that’s wasted could feed millions, yet it often ends up in landfills, where it contributes to environmental damage and greenhouse gas emissions.
By recovering surplus food and redirecting it to those in need, we ensure that nutritious meals are available to communities while minimizing waste in landfills. Food recovery helps fight hunger, reduces food waste, and protects the environment. It’s a win for both people and the planet!
About SB 1383
Not only does our A La Carte Food Recovery program help fight hunger and reduce food waste, it also aligns with California Senate Bill 1383 (“SB 1383”), a groundbreaking law aimed at reducing the disposal of organic waste in landfills, including edible food. SB 1383 mandates that by 2025, 20% of edible food that would otherwise go to waste must be recovered for human consumption.
By partnering with businesses to recover and redistribute surplus food, A La Carte not only fights hunger but also plays a critical role in supporting the state’s environmental and sustainability goals, and helping businesses remain in compliance with the law.
How it Works
Contact and Assessment: A food generator contacts us, expressing interest in donating excess edible food. Our staff evaluate whether the donation aligns with our food safety criteria and the needs of the community we serve.
Food Donation: Food generators and donors provide surplus, wholesome food that would otherwise be discarded. We can accept produce, dairy, meats, shelf-stable items, baked goods, and prepared meals.
Sorting & Transportation: Our staff sorts, collects and transports food safely and efficiently in our refrigerated fleet of trucks, and delivers it to our distribution sites throughout Santa Clara and San Mateo counties.
Community Distribution: We partner with after-school programs, shelters, community centers, and senior housing centers to ensure the food reaches those who need it most. All are welcome at our A La Carte distribution sites, no questions asked.
Our Zero-Waste Commitment
In 2022, Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen became the first nonprofit in the country to obtain and put into service a Harp Renewables aerobic biodigester, affectionately referred to as “Maynard.”
We dispose of unusable food and other organic materials from our operations in our biodigester, where they are converted into soil enhancer in 24 hours. We provide the soil enhancer to local agricultural producers and use it in our organic garden. With the capacity to digest 5,000 liters of organic waste per week, Maynard helps us toward our goal of being a zero-food-waste organization.