Riverside, CA – April 12, 2024 – One year ago, WRCOG launched a Food Recovery Program in response to the enactment of Senate Bill 1383 (SB1383), a California state mandate aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by minimizing organic waste in landfills. This initiative has made significant progress, exceeding its original goal of reducing emissions.
Currently, five cities within Riverside County—Jurupa Valley, San Jacinto, Murrieta, Moreno Valley, and Perris—have joined the WRCOG program. Utilizing the “Careit” application, which connects food donors with community organizations, the program effectively recovers, redistributes, and diverts food from landfills. Beyond meeting its environmental objectives, the program also supports the community by alleviating food shortages and improving food availability for vulnerable populations. Since its inception, over 8 tons of food have been diverted from landfill disposal.
“Community involvement is crucial to the success of this program,” said Olivia Sanchez, Program Manager for the Food Recovery Program. ” Utilizing the Careit system, we have effectively navigated businesses through the donation process, providing education on compliant donations in accordance with SB 1383. The results have been exceptional.”
A key part of SB 1383 aims to reduce unnecessary food waste and food insecurity, by recovering food that would otherwise go to landfill. By 2025, California businesses will recover approximately 20% of edible food by donating it to food recovery organizations.
“It’s a fantastic chance for our communities to get involved,” commented Chris Barajas, Chairman of the WRCOG Executive Committee and Jurupa Valley representative. “It highlights the commitment and cooperation between our local businesses and nonprofit organizations in minimizing waste and enhancing food security in our area.”
WRCOG encourages businesses looking to reduce their food waste and organizations who can utilize food recovery resources to reach out to WRCOG for more information at www.wrcog.us/foodrecovery.
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