The Alameda County Food Recovery Network is a collaborative coalition of more than 50 organizations working together to ensure that surplus edible food is put to its highest and best use, nourishing people and communities while preventing waste and addressing food insecurity.
Launched by StopWaste in 2021, the Network has grown from 18 participating organizations to more than 50 actively involved in food recovery and distribution. It brings together a diverse group of partners to connect, share resources, exchange knowledge, and learn best practices from one another.
Our Mission
We ensure surplus edible food is put to its highest and best use, nourishing people and communities while preventing waste and addressing food insecurity.
What We Do
- Recover surplus food from donors across the county
- Distribute nutritious food to those who need it
- Connect organizations to strengthen the food recovery system
- Educate about SB 1383 edible food recovery requirements
- Address root causes of hunger through collaborative action
Who We Are
Our network brings together diverse partners:
- Food recovery organizations and services
- Food banks and pantries
- Faith-based organizations
- Government agencies
- Housing agencies involved in food recovery
- Community groups and nonprofits
Monthly Meetings
When: Fourth Friday of each month, 10:00 to 11:30 AM
Topics include:
- Food recovery policy and capacity
- Donor contracts and food tracking
- Equitable access to nutritious food
- Best practices and shared learning
- SB 1383 compliance updates
Impact
In 2024, food recovery organizations and services across Alameda County reported recovering 14.39 million pounds of edible food from commercial food generators, an increase of nearly 2 million pounds compared to the previous year. The Network's 100% reporting rate for 2024 demonstrates the strong engagement and commitment of participating organizations.
Join the Network
Individuals who wish to become part of the network should perform tasks within Alameda County and be considered one of the following:
- Food Recovery Organizations or Services: Organizations specializing in food recovery and distribution.
- Food Banks and Pantries: Organizations that distribute recovered food to individuals and families in need.
- Faith-Based Organizations: Churches, synagogues, mosques, and other religious institutions involved in food recovery and/or distribution work.
- Government Agencies: City staff members who are interested in food recovery and supporting local organizations engaged in this work, as well as representatives from local government bodies focusing on food policy and regulations.
- Housing Agencies: Organizations involved in housing that are also engaged in food recovery and/or distribution efforts.
If you are interested in joining the network but your type of organization is not listed here, you are welcome to complete our interest form so that we can make a recommendation.