March 12, 2025
In an effort to combat food waste and address hunger in underserved communities, San Francisco has officially launched the nation’s first citywide food recovery initiative. Announced on March 12, 2025, the program aims to redistribute excess food from restaurants, grocery stores, and food manufacturers to local food banks, shelters, and other community organizations that serve those in need. This innovative approach to reducing food waste while tackling food insecurity is seen as a model for cities across the country.
The SF Food Recovery Project is designed to recover and redistribute millions of pounds of edible but unsold food annually. The initiative will work with local businesses and food providers to divert food that would otherwise be thrown away due to overstock, expiration, or cosmetic imperfections. Through this program, the city hopes to address two pressing issues: the staggering amount of food waste in the U.S. and the growing need for nutritious meals in low-income communities.
“Food waste is a crisis, and we can’t afford to let perfectly good food go to waste when so many people in our city go hungry,” said Mayor London Breed during the announcement. “This initiative is about making sure that every San Franciscan has access to healthy, nutritious meals and helping our businesses play an active role in solving this problem.”
The program will be managed by the San Francisco Department of Public Health in collaboration with food recovery organizations, local nonprofits, and community-based groups. Under the new initiative, participating businesses will be given tax incentives and logistical support to donate surplus food rather than disposing of it. The city will provide a network of transportation options, including refrigerated trucks, to ensure the safe and timely delivery of perishable items.
San Francisco-based food banks and pantries will be central to the program, receiving regular donations of fresh produce, dairy, proteins, and other high-quality food items. The initiative also includes efforts to educate businesses about the benefits of food recovery, from reducing waste disposal costs to improving sustainability practices.
The SF Food Recovery Project is expected to recover up to 30 million pounds of food annually, enough to provide more than 25 million meals to residents in need. This effort is part of San Francisco’s broader environmental and social sustainability goals, which aim to reduce food waste by 50% by 2030 and ensure that every resident has access to affordable, healthy food.
Environmental groups have praised the initiative, noting that food waste is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. By recovering and redistributing food, the city is not only addressing hunger but also reducing its carbon footprint. According to a recent report, approximately 40% of food produced in the U.S. is wasted, and food production accounts for nearly a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions. Programs like SF Food Recovery are seen as critical in reducing these figures.
“This initiative tackles food insecurity and the climate crisis head-on,” said Maria Gutierrez, an environmental policy advocate. “By diverting food from landfills and ensuring it goes to those who need it most, San Francisco is taking bold action to create a more sustainable and equitable city.”
As other cities look to San Francisco’s lead, the SF Food Recovery Project could inspire nationwide efforts to reduce food waste and enhance food security, helping to create a more sustainable future for everyone. With its successful implementation, the program is poised to set a precedent for how cities can combat hunger, reduce waste, and promote community well-being all at once.
