Resources to Help Get Food to the People Who Need It
While our number one concern is for the health of those affected by COVID-19, ReFED also recognizes that our collective response to this crisis – such as buying food in bulk to guard against potential disruptions in supply chains; the closures of schools, restaurants, and other organizations that serve food; and more – is increasing the amount of food waste. And in many cases, the food being wasted could have gone to the most vulnerable among us through recovery and distribution programs.
That’s why we’re working with our partners to highlight those organizations that are helping to ensure that excess food gets to the people who need it most. We’ll continue to update this list as we become aware of more resources.
Find Food Recovery Organizations Near You
ReFED's Food Waste Innovator Database provides contact information for nonprofit and commercial entities across the country that can rescue excess and unused food and distribute it to food banks, pantries, meal programs, and more. If you're a food recovery organization and would like to be included in the database, please fill out an application here.
Find A Food Bank Near You
Find your local community food bank through this resource from Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization. Click here.
Find A Food Pantry Near You
AmpleHarvest.org helps millions of backyard gardeners easily find a local food pantry to donate their extra garden produce. Use this online tool to find a food pantry near you.
Donate Excess Food to Institutions in Need
As institutions across the country close, they are left with excess food that could be donated as emergency food assistance. Download and share this handout from Harvard Law School’s Food Law and Policy Center to get more information on food recovery resources and learn how businesses can donate their surplus food.
Find Out Where To Donate Food
The U.S. EPA's Excess Food Opportunities Map shows food banks and other institutions that can accept donated or recovered foods.
Learn Food Safety Guidelines
The U.S. FDA's Food Safety and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 web page lists resources, Q&As, and guidance for industry members and consumers on COVID-19 food safety.
DoorDash Delivery Support
ReFED’s partner DoorDash is providing at-cost and subsidized deliveries via its DoorDash Drive fulfillment service to nonprofit organizations, including schools, food pantries, and community-health centers. Click here.
Postmates Food Delivery For Nonprofits
Postmates is using their fleet to help restaurants that partner with them to request a pickup of excess food and have it delivered to a local shelter at the touch of a button. Learn more here.