Food Redistribution Pilot Project

Background

The Nutrition and Physical Activity Program received Productivity Investment Funding from Los Angeles County’s Productivity and Quality Commission to launch a pilot project with an existing mobile food recovery app, Copia to increase the efficiency of food redistribution across Los Angeles County. The goal of the project is to connect businesses with community-based organizations who will distribute nutritious food to vulnerable populations. This effort will help close the gap between abundance and need in Los Angeles County.

Because the project will include working with businesses/organizations within incorporated cities, it complements Public Works’ Food Donation and Recovery Outreach Program (DROP) which operates in Unincorporated areas in LA County. This synergy should help city and county public works agencies meet the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle)’s edible food recovery reporting requirements.

How Businesess Can Apply for Free Food Donation Services

Through this funding, businesses will benefit from a 12-month free Copia membership subscription, which includes free food donation services. Read about the services offered through the Copia pilot project.

Businesses seeking assistance in managing their surplus food can apply for a free Copia subscription by completing the "Getting to Know You" form.

2023 National Association of City and County Health Officials (NACCHO) Model Practice Award Winner

National association of city and county health official award winnder

2023 National Association of City and County Health Officials (NACCHO) Model Practice Award Winner Text: The Nutrition and Physical Activity Program is a recipient of the 2023 NACCHO Model Practice Program Award for “Advancing Food Recovery to Reduce Food Waste in Los Angeles County, California.” The NACCHO Award recognizes local health department best practices in addressing pressing public health challenges. For more information, visit NACCHO Model Practice Program or check out our video, Advancing Food Recovery to Reduce Food Waste which gives an overview of the pilot project.

2023 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Award Winner

The Nutrition and Physical Activity Program is a recipient of the 2023 NACo Achievement Award for “Advancing Food Recovery to Reduce Food Waste”. For more information, visit: NACo Achievement Awards.

2022 Productivity and Quality Award Winner

Each year, the Quality and Productivity Commission, in partnership with the Board of Supervisors, Chief Executive Office, and the Productivity Managers’ Network, recognizes County employees and Departments for their achievements in improving quality and productivity in County services. The Nutrition and Physical Activity Program's, "Reducing Food Waste and Advancing Food Recovery" pilot project with Copia was one of award winners at the 35th Annual Productivity and Quality Awards Program.

This project recruited 50 businesses, including wholesale warehouses, restaurants, and school districts to participate in the program. As a result, over 102,000 pounds of edible food were donated, which roughly translates to almost 84,900 meals. In addition to increasing food access, there is also an environmental impact of this work. Over 455,000 pounds of CO2 emissions and 10.1 million gallons of water were saved.

For more information about the food recovery mobile app, contact:

Bernadet Garcia-Silva, MPH, Program Manager

bsilva@ph.lacounty.gov

Nutrition and Physical Activity Program

Nutrition & Physical Activity Program