Donate your business's excess food in any amount with regular pickups. RLC will
locally distribute it to the organizations providing meals to others.
The Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act passed in 1996 by President Clinton is a Federal Law that protects all food donors from both Civil and Criminal liability when donating “Apparently Wholesome” food to non-profit organizations in “Good Faith” (with no malicious intent). This Law also protects the non-profit organization receiving this food from Civil and Criminal liability when distributing this food in Good Faith to needy individuals.
All 50 states have passed Good Samaritan Laws on the state level that may provide additional liability protection beyond the Federal Law. No state can take away from this Federal Law - they can only build upon it. Learn more about State specific language on the Good Samitarian Laws.
The Food Donation Act of 2017 clarifies and expands food donation under the Emerson Act.
There has never been a lawsuit recorded related to food donation.
Food donation is not illegal and, as you will see in the benefits section, is actually encouraged by the government.
RLC also provides a hold harmless clause in agreements with our food donors for losses incurred in connection with food donation. RLC's food donation processes ensure that safe food handling and transportation meets established standards.
Our dedicated volunteers will pick up your excess food from your location on a scheduled basis and our Massachusetts branch can accommodate same-day requests as well. There is no minimum pound requirement for a pickup, and we can come by at the time most convenient for you!
Scheduled Pickups: businesses with consistent leftovers can schedule regular, recurring pickups to occur on a weekly basis. Pickups can occur once a week, daily, or anywhere in between! Email us to partner with our New York or Massachusetts branch.
Emergency/Same-Day Pickups: businesses with irregular leftovers can schedule a same-day pickup whenever needed. When you have food to donate, sign into your account and fill out a very simple donation form to schedule your pickup. Email us to partner with our Massachusetts branch.
Please note our New York branch is unable to accommodate emergency/same-day pickups.
There is a nominal fee for pickups to cover RLC’s Admin costs, which will be offset by the money you’ll save in taxes, thanks to the Enhanced Tax Benefits through IRC Section 170(e)(3). In fact, you will come out ahead over the course of a year. Between these tax benefits and reducing disposal costs, your business will actually save money by donating food.
All you need to do is package the food and let our volunteers in the door to pick it up! It’s easy!
All surplus fresh and prepared food that has been properly stored and kept out of the Danger Zone may be donated UNLESS it has been served, including buffet and food left out during Cocktails.
You may use Boxes, Saran Wrap, Tin Foil and Plastic Bags to package the food.
Remember: food donation is possible at no risk to you or your company for Apparently Wholesome food donations that are made In Good Faith. The Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act of 1996 "exempts those who make good faith donations of food and grocery products to nonprofit organizations that feed the hungry from liability for injuries arising from the consumption of the donated food." If you or your company have any questions, click here for a list of great resources about Food Donation.
Make your event extra special by donating the excess food to the hungry! We rescue food from all types of parties including Weddings, Milestone and Corporate Events.
In order to best follow Food Laws and ensure quality food donations, RLC cannot pick up from privately catered parties. All food donated must be purchased from a licensed food vendor. We work closely with your catering company to provide a seamless pickup and donation.
This is incorrect, food donation IS possible at NO RISK to you or your company for donations made in good faith. The Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act of 1996 "exempts those who make good faith donations of food and grocery products to nonprofit organizations that feed the hungry from liability for injuries arising from the consumption of the donated food." If you or your company have any questions, click here for a list of great resources about Food Donation.
As the owner of the food, you have the right to say what happens to it, as long as it passes New York State Health Guidelines. The easiest food to donate is food that hasn’t left the kitchen. Be reasonable; don’t expect them to be OK with donating sushi that has been sitting out for an hour.
Email info@rescuingleftovercuisine.org or call RLC at 646-592-2229 and mention that you are interested in events food donations, and talk to your food provider in advance telling them you are working with RLC. Work with your food provider to come up with a menu that lends itself well to donation (for example: room temperature or cold items). Hotels and caterers are almost always willing to work with you on this wonderful initiative, and they want to keep you, their client, happy.
Baz is a neighbourhood restaurant with close ties to the community. RLC has been a wonderful partnership for us to assist those in need of fresh food in our own community. The daily contribution pickup process has been easy and seamless for our staff and we have met so many nice volunteers along the way.
Owner, Baz Bagel and Restaurant
What a positive impact their generosity is having on the lives of our seniors and kids here at Hartley! ...RLC and the food donor's generosity is proof that the fastest way to a person’s heart is through their stomach!
- Jil Novenski, Development Coordinator, Hartley House
Pickups are so quick and convenient and we are enjoying donating so much food to our local nonprofits! We also like how user-friendly the website is, and how helpful everyone from Rescuing Leftover Cuisine and the volunteers/staff from Breakaway Courier have been.
Chef Anthony Dicillo, Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel
I CAN… Those two words says it all.
Tom Cromwell, Breakaway Courier