How it Works

HOW IT
WORKS

ExtraFood’s mission is to help end hunger and wasted food in the North Bay through our countywide food recovery program. Our food recovery program rescues excess fresh food from businesses and schools —fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, eggs, meat, baked goods and prepared meals — and immediately delivers it to people facing food insecurity.

Learn how our food recovery program works

A business or school contacts us with a minimum of 10 servings (or 10 pounds) of excess fresh food to donate in food-safe, disposable containers. They specify a day and time range for pick-up.

Considering the type of food, quantity of food, and pick-up day/time, we find the best match for the donation among our many recipient partners. We always know who needs what and when! We confirm the pick-up with the donor, and an ExtraFood volunteer signs up online to pick up and deliver the food (or we dispatch our staff drivers in our refrigerated truck or van).

The volunteer picks up the donation, if necessary loading it into a sealed industrial-grade food delivery bag with ice packs. The volunteer then drives directly to the recipient, with no stops or detours, and always in under 30 minutes.

“ExtraFood is a key player in providing fresh food for Marin’s most vulnerable children, seniors and families. And at the same time, working to end food waste and impacting the climate crisis. ExtraFood has made a huge impact on the health of Marin and for that, I am 100% supportive and tremendously grateful!”

-Katie Rice
District 2/Marin County Board of Supervisors

HOW IT WORKS

HOW IT
WORKS