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.
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 11,000 pounds of food were donated, which roughly translates to almost 10,000 meals. In addition to increasing food access, there is also an environmental impact of this work. Over 51,000 pounds of CO2 emissions and 1.15 million gallons of water were saved.
