Food Insecurity

Californians send 11.2 billion pounds of food to landfills each year, some of which was still fresh enough to have been recovered to feed people in need. Senate Bill 1383 aims to increase edible food recovery and reduce landfill disposal.

Senate Bill 1383 – Edible Food Recovery Requirements

Beginning January 1, 2022, certain types of businesses (labeled as edible food generators) will be required to donate all of their excess edible food to food recovery organizations and services. Tier 1 Businesses are required to donate starting in 2022, and Tier 2 Businesses are required to donate starting in 2024.

Per the State’s regulation, mandated edible food generators (both Tier 1 and Tier 2 edible food generators) must:

1. Arrange to recover the maximum amount of excess edible food that would otherwise go to landfills.
2. Establish a written agreement or contract with a food recovery organization that accepts edible food. For assistance in developing an agreement, please refer to Cal Recycle's Model Edible Food Recovery Agreement. 
3. Maintain records of all edible food recovery activities and receipts. Records must include:

• Name, address, and contact information of partnering food recovery organization(s) that collects or receives donations
• The types of food donated
• The established frequency of food donations
• Quantity of food donated (measured in pounds per month)

Edible Food Recovery Resources

 Edible Food Recovery Program Guide                                             Edible Food Recovery Compliance

Local Food Recovery Organizations & Services

To connect with a local food recovery organization, please refer to the County of Riverside's list of local donation sites. 

Feeding America Riverside – San Bernardino strives to alleviate hunger within our community. For more information on their food recovery services, please visit feedingamericaIE.org.