Edible Food Recovery Program

Edible Food Recovery Program

Businesses play an important role in supporting Glendale’s waste reduction goals by donating surplus edible food intended for human consumption that would otherwise be disposed of, reducing landfill waste and methane emissions while supporting food-insecure communities.

Who Is Required to Participate

California law requires certain businesses and large public events to recover and donate surplus edible food, based on a phased implementation schedule.

Required as of January 1, 2022:

  • Supermarkets
  • Grocery stores with facilities 10,000 square feet or larger
  • Food service providers and distributors
  • Wholesale food vendors

Required as of January 1, 2024:

  • Restaurants with 250 or more seats
  • Hotels with an on-site food facility
  • Large venues
  • State agency cafeterias
  • Health care facilities with 100 or more beds

Note: Any business may voluntarily donate surplus edible food, even if not required.

Business Responsibilities

Commercial edible food generators are required to:

  • Recover the maximum amount of edible food that would otherwise be disposed
  • Establish a written contract or agreement with a food recovery organization or service
  • Maintain records documenting edible food recovery activities, including:
    • Name, address, and contact information of the food recovery organization or service
    • Type of food donated or collected
    • Frequency of collection or self-haul/back-haul
    • Amount of food donated (in pounds)

These records help demonstrate compliance with state requirements.

Tracking Food Donations

Businesses can track donations using the free Careit app, which helps document food recovery activities and simplifies recordkeeping.

LIABILITY PROTECTION FOR FOOD DONORS

The California Good Samaritan Food Donation Act protects businesses that donate food in good faith. Liability protection includes food that has passed its labeled shelf-life date and donations made directly to end users, helping encourage safe and responsible food donations.

Food Recovery Organizations & Services

Food recovery organizations and services assist businesses by collecting and redistributing surplus edible food. Organizations operating within or serving Glendale include:

Armenian Relief Society
517 W. Glenoaks Blvd., Glendale, CA 91202
(818) 241-7533

Ascencia
1851 Tyburn St., Glendale, CA 91204
(818) 246-7900

Catholic Charities of LA (Loaves & Fishes)
4322 San Fernando Rd., Glendale, CA 91204
(213) 318-5707

First Baptist Church of Glendale
209 N. Louise St., Glendale, CA 91206
(818) 242-2113

FoodCycle LA
6636 Selma Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 897-9696

Food Finders
10539 Humbolt St., Los Alamitos, CA 90720
(562) 283-1400

Glendale Adult Recreation Center
201 E. Colorado St., Glendale, CA 91205
(818) 548-3775

Glendale Community College
1500 N. Verdugo Rd., Glendale CA 91208
(818) 240-1000

International Families Association
240 S. Glendale Ave., Glendale, CA 91205
(818) 770-0779

LA Community Action Network
838 E. 6th St., Los Angeles, CA 90021
(213) 228-0024

One Generation
18255 Victory Blvd., Reseda, CA 91335
(818) 705-2345

The Salvation Army
320 W. Windsor Rd., Glendale, CA 91204
(818) 246-5586 ext. 1221

St. Francis Center
1835 S. Hope St., Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 747-5347

Valley Food Bank
12701 Van Nuys Blvd., Pacoima, CA 91331
(818) 510-4140

YWCA of Glendale & Pasadena
735 E. Lexington Dr., Glendale, CA 91206
(818) 242-4155

Additional Resources

Questions or Assistance?

For help with edible food recovery requirements or resources, contact:

Recycle@GlendaleCA.gov

(818) 548-3916