SB 1383, a State law effective January 1, 2022, sets a statewide goal, requiring California to recover 20 percent of  edible food by 2025 to feed those in need. Edible food can include produce, as well as prepared and packaged food. Additionally, edible food includes food that is not available for purchase due to age, size, freshness, appearance, grade, and surplus, but must be food that people can consume. 

The law mandates that jurisdictions implement a food recovery program and requires jurisdictions to identify commercial eligible food generators (food donors) and food recovery organizations and services who can accept edible food donations. 

Food Recovery Organizations and Services

Download a list of food recovery organizations and services operating within the City. If you represent a food recovery organization or service located in the City that would like to be included in this list, email GoGreen@toaks.org. 

Visit CalRecycle for a list of recordkeeping and reporting requirements for food recovery organizations and services that decide to establish contracts or written agreements with commercial edible food generators.

Commercial Edible Food Generators

Commercial edible food generators must donate the maximum amount of edible food that would otherwise be disposed. SB 1383 categorizes commercial edible food generators into two tiers for implementation.

• Tier 1: wholesale food vendors, food service providers, food distributors, supermarkets (with revenue greater than or equal to $2 million), and grocery stores (greater than or equal to 10,000 square feet) 
• Tier 2: hotels (with on-site food facility and 200+ rooms), restaurants (greater than or equal to 5,000 square feet or 250+ seats), health facilities (with on-site food facility and 100+ beds), state agency cafeterias (greater than or equal to 5,000 square feet or 250+ seats), local education agencies (with on-site food facility), and large venues and events.  

To learn more about requirements for edible food generators, click here. 

SB 1383 Implementation Schedule for Tier 1 and Tier 2

January 1, 2022: Tier 1 generators must be in compliance with SB 1383, and jurisdictions begin inspections of Tier 1 generators and food recovery organizations and services.

January 1, 2024: Tier 2 generators must be in compliance with SB 1383, and jurisdictions begin inspections of Tier 2 generators.

Additional Resources

• Athens Services - Food Donation
• Athens Services - SB 1383 Information
• CalRecycle Food Recovery
• CalRecycle SB 1383 Food Recovery Frequently Asked Questions
• EPA Food Recovery

Click here to email the City’s Sustainability Division or call (805) 449-7283 if you have questions related to food recovery.