Requirements for Food Recovery Organizations Under SB 1383

SB 1383 includes requirements for food recovery organizations and services that receive donated food from commercial generators.

What's Required

Food recovery organizations must:

1. Maintain monthly records of food recovered from Tier 1 and Tier 2 donors:
   • Type of food
   • Frequency of pickups
   • Pounds of food recovered
2. Submit annual reports on total pounds recovered

Compliance Steps

Step 1: Assess Capacity

Evaluate your organization's ability to receive and distribute donated food from commercial sources.

Step 2: Establish Written Agreements

Create formal agreements with food generators. Templates are available:

Resource List

Image

Customizable Food Recovery Agreement Templates

This Guidance Document was adapted from CalRecycle’s Model Food Recovery Agreement and is intended to be customized and used by any organization that wishes to enter into a written service agreement or contract for donation/recovery of edible surplus food. It is recommended for those who wish to have a comprehensive agreement which provides details on agreed upon terms. There is also a simple version available in English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

Image

Simplified Food Recovery Agreement Template

This simplified template may be used by any organization that wishes to enter into a written service agreement or contract for donation/recovery of edible surplus food. It is recommended for those who wish to have a simple agreement which satisfies the minimum requirements of SB1383 and ORRO. There is also a more detailed version of this form available.

Step 3: Maintain Records

Track all food recovered from Tier 1 and Tier 2 generators using monthly logs:

Resource List

Thumbnail

Simple Printable Food Donation Log

The simple form is recommended for sites who may not have frequent donations in a single month, and provides enough space to record an entire year's worth of donation data on a single page. Available in English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Vietnamese.

Thumbnail

Detailed Printable Food Donation Log

The detailed form is recommended for sites who may have frequent or recurring donations, may require additional space to log donations for a single month, or wish to organize donations by food type (produce, dry goods, meat, etc.). It also provides space to record the reason for surplus in any given month.

Step 4: Submit Annual Reports

Report total pounds recovered using the Food Recovery Organizations & Services Reporting Form.

Reporting Schedule

Resources

• CalRecycle Food Recovery Resources
• Food Donation Cold Storage Refrigeration Specification Guide

Funding & Support

Nonprofits may be eligible for equipment grants up to $10,000 for refrigeration, storage, and transport equipment through StopWaste's Surplus Food Donation Equipment Grants program. The program is currently closed and is anticipated to reopen in Fall 2026.

The Alameda County Food Recovery Network brings together 40+ organizations for collaboration, shared learning, and coordinated capacity planning. The Alameda County Community Food Bank (ACCFB) Food Recovery Program provides additional resources and support.

Report Non-Compliance

If you're aware of a commercial food generator not meeting their SB 1383 obligations, you can file a complaint online.

Contact: rules@stopwaste.org | (510) 891-6575