SB 1383 Edible Food Recovery Program

What does SB1383 mean for edible food recovery?

Senate Bill (SB 1383) requires that by 2025, the State of California recover and redistribute 20 percent of edible food that would have otherwise been sent to landfills. The goal is to divert the maximum amount of edible food to charitable organizations where it may be redistributed to those in need. 

What is edible food?

Edible food is food intended for people to eat, including food not sold because of appearance, age, freshness, grade, surplus, etc. Visit Calrecycle’s website for more information.

Edible Food Recovery Program

SB1383 requires certain food generating businesses to establish written agreements with charitable food organizations to donate surplus food.  The law phases food donors in under two tiers based on business type and size.  The first tier is required to donate starting in 2022.  The second tier is required to donate starting in 2024.  The following Tier 1 mandated food donors in Laguna Beach are helping communities now by working with the Laguna Food Pantry, located at 20652 Laguna Canyon Rd. Click here for more information.

Tier 1 Edible Food Generators (In Effect January 1, 2022):

  • Whole Food Market

  • Gelson's Market

  • Pavilions

  • Ralphs Grocery

Tier 2 Edible Food Generators (Effective January 1, 2024):

  • Health Facilities (with onsite food facilities and 100+ beds)

  • Hotels (with on-site food facilities and 200+ rooms)

  • Local Education Agencies (with onsite food facility)

  • Large Events and Venues

  • Restaurants (with ≥ 5,000 sq. ft. or 250+ seats)

  • State Agency Cafeterias (with ≥ 5,000 sq. ft. or 250+ seats)

Additional resources for businesses and model food donation agreements can be found on CalRecycle’s Edible Food Recovery Website