Grocery Food Rescue
Food sourcing efficiency is a priority for CFBNJ. Last year, we rescued more than 30 million pounds of nutritious food that would otherwise have been wasted from grocers to help feed struggling neighbors.
Our Grocery Rescue Program (internally called Enabled Agency Gleaning Direct Program) enables partners to pick up food directly from a retailer.
Grocery Rescue Program (Enabled Agency Gleaning Direct Program)
Through our Enabled Agency Gleaning Direct Program, CFBNJ safety recovers food that supermarkets can’t sell because of minor damage or a code date issue, redirecting millions of pounds of fresh, healthy produce, meats, baked goods, and prepared foods to our New Jersey neighbors in need.
Network partners pick up food directly from participating supermarkets and report the poundage to CFBNJ. These donations are in addition to CFBNJ’s State Food Purchase Program, and a great way to increase the volume and frequency of nutritious food, meet client and organizational needs faster, and improve community relationships with local retail stores.
Upon approval, the network partner receives an orientation, training, and free equipment (temperature gun, freezer blanket & scale) to ensure food safety.
Last year, network partners gleaned 12 million pounds of food.
“Our Network Investment Grant from CFBNJ allows us to accept more food from supermarkets and retailers that wish to donate. With more gleaned food, we are able to serve everyone who comes into the pantry on a given Saturday without fear of running out of food.”
JAMES O BRYANT FOOD PANTRY, PISCATAWAY
Contact our Food Rescue Team