Once you've found a food recovery partner, the next step is to establish a formal donation process. SB 1383 requires a written agreement between your business and the food recovery organization that will receive your surplus edible food.

Set Up a Written Agreement

You must have a written agreement with at least one food recovery organization or service. The agreement ensures both parties understand:

  • Types of food to be donated
  • Pickup schedule and procedures
  • Food safety and handling requirements
  • Contact information for coordination

Agreement Templates

StopWaste provides free, customizable templates to help you create your agreement:

thumbnail of a food donation agreement template document

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.

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.

Need help completing them? Request free assistance.

Establish Donation Procedures

Work with your food recovery partner to set up clear, repeatable procedures:

  • Designate a donation area — Set aside a clean, temperature-appropriate space where surplus food is collected for pickup
  • Set a pickup schedule — Agree on regular pickup days and times that work for both parties
  • Define food safety protocols — Ensure proper handling, labeling, and storage of donated items
  • Assign responsibility — Identify staff members who will manage the donation process day-to-day

Train Your Staff

Ensure employees understand:

  • What foods can be safely donated
  • Proper storage and handling procedures for items awaiting pickup
  • When and how pickups occur
  • Who to contact with questions

Staff training doesn't need to be formal — a brief walkthrough of the process and a posted reference guide near the donation area is often sufficient.

Liability Protection

Your business is protected when donating food in good faith. Federal and state laws shield food donors from liability:

Next Steps

  1. Track Donations and Keep Records — Set up the monthly record-keeping required for compliance

Resources