As of 2015, statistics revealed that residents of the Morongo Basin faced significant challenges in securing adequate nutrition due to geographic isolation and low family income. Alongside its environmental goals of reducing carbon emissions from organic waste in landfills, State Bill 1383 requires food manufacturers and distributors to separate and donate edible food to food banks. While large food chains were already donating food, SB 1383 has significantly increased donations.
Food Finders is a California nonprofit established to eliminate hunger and food waste while improving nutrition in food-insecure communities.
Executive Director Diana Lara spoke to me about the importance of longstanding and new partnerships with food suppliers. These partnerships ensure surplus food, which would otherwise contribute to landfill waste, reaches those in need. Just in July, Food Finders rescued 1.8 million pounds of food.
Diana Lara: “The legislation was passed in 2016, but it wasn’t mandated until 2022, so that first year, 2022, I believe we brought on 400 new donors.”
Lara also said they have noticed an increased number of families and residents seeking food assistance.
“We’re not just preventing waste,” Lara emphasized. “We’re feeding families and reducing the environmental impact of discarded food.”
The legislation requires cities to collaborate with waste haulers to ensure that food is donated to nonprofits. Lara explained that cities recommend nonprofits to waste haulers or directly distribute food to residents. Food Finders operates a fleet of refrigerated trucks and relies on over 200 volunteers to ensure prompt delivery of rescued food. Food safety is a top priority; all donations must meet state regulations and community health standards.
Food Finders receives food from Vons in Yucca Valley. Lara said they know the importance of expanding their outreach and are eager to partner with more local families, volunteers, and suppliers in the Morongo Basin.
“Together, we can extend our impact and serve even more vulnerable populations.”
Sign up to donate or receive donations at https://foodfinders.org/
