BENEFITS OF DONATING
Help fight climate change – food thrown into landfills emits
greenhouse gases and is a significant contributor to global warming.
Donate Surplus Food & Meet SB 1383 Requirements
California’s SB 1383 requires many businesses to donate surplus edible food instead of disposing of it. The goal is simple: keep good food out of landfills and get it to people who can use it.
FoodCycle makes this easy for businesses, we provide reliable food pickup, connect you with local nonprofit organizations that can receive donations, and help with the basic recordkeeping needed to show compliance—at no cost to your business.
Whether you are a Tier 1 or Tier 2 business, or a business with occasional surplus food, FoodCycle offers hands-on support to help you donate safely, consistently, and with minimal effort.
We make it easy to donate surplus food—so you can focus on running your business while supporting your community.
We work with hundreds of different donors of all sizes – from small donations to pallet level.
At FoodCycle we believe in the power of food to heal individuals and communities.
CONCERNED ABOUT LIABILITY?
NOT ONLY ARE THERE TWO LAWS PROTECTING YOU, BUT THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND CITY ENCOURAGE YOU TO DONATE THIS FOOD!
- Federal Liability Protection: Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act
- State Liability Protection: California Good Samaritan Act
- To learn more contact the Los Angeles County Health Department: (626) 439 5320
CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
We’ll make it simple for you to donate – whether it’s one time, or weekly.
- We’ll help make sure that you are prepared for upcoming inspections by providing you with a compliant contract, access to records of weights, and training staff members around food safety for donations and how to maintain a program that will meet the new requirements
- FoodCycle will provide you with tax receipts at the end of the year so that you can receive credit for your donations
- Our drivers receive food safety training and donating to us ensures that you are protected from liability
JOIN HUNDREDS OF BUSINESSES THAT TRUST FOODCYCLE!
DONATE FAQS
How do I sign up?
Click here to sign up to be a Food Donor.
Is it free to donate?
Always!
What can I donate?
We accept all types of food for recovery – anything that’s edible, we can deliver safely to people in need.
We are also able to recover inedible food and bring to appropriate food recycling facilities, such as composting.
Essentially, we can work with you to ensure none of your food goes to the landfill!
Who can donate?
Any business or organization is eligible to donate; this includes grocery stores, farmers markets, offices/companies, restaurants, organizations running an event, and more. Contact us if you’re unsure if you qualify!
Can an individual donate?
Am I liable?
NO! There is no available public record of anyone in the United States being sued ― or having to pay damages ― because of harms related to donated food according to Nicole Civita, University of Arkansas School of Law
The Federal Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act and California’s own Good Samaritan Act provides donors with liability protection providing the donor is certain the food has been handled safely and in accordance with state and local food handling guidelines.
FoodCycle LA also provide all drivers with food recovery materials that insure the safe donation of your excess food to a food pantry while checking the critical time and temperatures.
How do I receive tax incentives?
We track every donation and provide receipts, which can be used for tax breaks per IRC Section 170(e)(3).
Is there a minimum or maximum donation?
No!
What if I am an event with extra food?
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