Edible Food Recovery Program

California Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383) was signed into law in September 2016, establishing methane emissions reduction targets in a Statewide effort to combat climate change.  A key part of the regulations involves reducing the volume of edible food, disposed by businesses in our landfills, and instead diverting that food to charitable organizations where it may be redistributed to those in need.

SB 1383 requires certain food generating businesses to establish written agreements with charitable food organizations to donate surplus food.  The law phases food donors in under two tiers based on business type and size.  The first tier, consisting of mostly packaged food, is required to donate starting in 2022.  The second tier, which expands to include prepared food, is required to donate starting in 2024.   Mandated food donors can help their communities now by working with local food banks, food pantries, and other food recovery organizations and services.

Many organizations receive food from either the Placer Food Bank or Sierra Community House which serve as regional distribution centers.

Local to the Town of Loomis is the LEOA Foundation, located at the Calvary Christian Center, 4655 King Road, Loomis, CA, which offers free food, clothes, toys and education services to those in need.

Additional resources for businesses and model food donation agreements can be found on CalRecycle's Edible Food Recovery Website and at the Placer County Edible Food Recovery Program Website