Loaves & Fishes recovered more than 630,000 meals in 2023
via our A La Carte food recovery program, and we do not intend to slow down.
Why Recover Food?
Nearly 1 in 3 people in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties are at risk of food insecurity. At the same time, a staggering 38% of all food in the United States – that’s 235 million tons - goes unsold or uneaten every year.
The food that’s wasted could feed millions, yet it often ends up in landfills contributing to environmental damage and greenhouse gas emissions.
Food recovery is crucial because it reduces food waste, helps fight hunger, and protects the environment. 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. It’s a win for both people and the planet!
About
A La Carte
In 2019, Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen expanded our services to include A La Carte, a vital program that helps feed our hungry neighbors across Santa Clara and San Mateo counties.
A La Carte operates a fleet of trucks throughout the Bay Area, collecting surplus prepared and packaged food from corporate and university campuses, cafeterias, grocery stores, and catered events. This food is then delivered directly to our neighbors in need. By offering a no-cost, convenient, and dignified experience, A La Carte helps individuals and families struggling with food insecurity.
This program unites for-profit companies, who generously donate their excess food, with our nonprofit and public school partners who work tirelessly to nourish Silicon Valley’s food-insecure communities.
About
SB 1383
A La Carte 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 ambitious environmental and sustainability goals.
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 refrigerated fleet of trucks collects, sorts, and transports food safely and efficiently 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 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, internally named “Maynard.” Maynard converts food scraps and organic materials into soil enhancer in 24 hours, and has the capacity to digest 5,000 liters of organic waste per week. Excess food that remains from our operations is disposed of in our biodigester, which further aids in our organization wide organic waste reduction initiatives. We provide the soil enhancer to local agricultural producers and to the Loaves & Fishes Garden.
