Food rescue and redistribution

Donating to free and low cost food programs

Contact charities to find out what donations they may need.

Food rescue

Food rescue, sometimes called food recovery, is the practice of donating edible food to charities and not-for-profit organizations that is at risk of being wasted by businesses such as restaurants, grocery stores, and produce markets.

Metro Vancouver Food Recovery Network 

Through FoodMesh , Metro Vancouver is supporting regional efforts to build a connected food system. The network’s Retail Food Recovery Program matches retailers wanting to donate food with verified charitable organizations. The Marketplace is a place to buy, sell and donate surplus food products quickly and easily to a network of verified businesses and charitable organizations.

Learn more at Metro Vancouver’s Regional Food Recovery Network

Food redistribution

Surplus foods that are at risk of being wasted by food businesses can be redistributed through donation or re-sold to discount markets, other food businesses, charities, or not-for-profits.

Re-selling or redistributing food products to other organizations is one way for businesses to offset some of the costs of unsold surpluses and edible by-products. Food businesses, charities, and not-for-profits can all benefit from buying discounted food.

Tips to make the most of your donation

Resources

Industry Food Donation Guidelines

This guide has information on how to start and manage a food donation program and includes advice for different food sectors.

Guidelines for food distribution organizations

Find advice for charities involved in food distribution including information on food access, nutrition, donor relations, and food safety.

Did you know
of British Columbians have reported experiencing inadequate or insecure access to safe, healthy food due to financial constraints?