Be ready to connect
Prepare for your first call or meeting by having the following information available
- Your company name, address, site contact, and phone number
- Description of what food you expect to have and the storage requirements (dry, refrigerated, frozen, fresh)
- How your food will be packaged (case and package size)
- Estimated number of units, pounds, cases, and/or pallets for donation
Ask questions that will help you determine if the organization is a good fit for your food recovery needs
- Does the organization accept the types of food that you have to donate?
- Can they accept the amount of food that you have to donate?
- How frequently can they accept donations?
- Can they pick up the surplus food or does it need to be delivered?
- What are their requirements for packaging and storing donations prior to pick up / drop off?
- What does their contract look like and does it fit your needs?
Once you have found an organization that is a good match, establish the following information
Note: a copy of each of the items below is required to be kept onsite under SB 1383
- Name, address, and contact information of the food recovery organization
- Frequency or schedule of pick ups / drop offs
- Types of food agreed to be donated and accepted
Signed contract or written agreement (see Step 4: Contract for details)