Creating Change through Collaboration - FoodCycle a Food Recovery Network

FoodCycle LA is a food recovery organization that aims to divert surplus food to communities experiencing food insecurity. We partner with food retailers to reroute surplus food away from landfills to organizations working to feed hungry people. We accomplish this by maintaining a database of donors, volunteer drivers, and receiving agencies, which acts as a bridge between retailers and communities in need. Our program has grown over 2000% in the past three years and is an example of a successful partnership between local and federal government, business and nonprofiits. FoodCycle was recognized by the EPA in 2021 and received an award from CRRA for Food Recovery in 2022.

In the presentation, we will highlight key facts about food waste and insecurity in the United States, outlining the significance of FoodCycle's work. We will educate the audience about Senate Bill 1383, which requires Tier 1 businesses in California to participate in a food recovery program, and FoodCycle's outreach efforts to help these businesses become compliant. We will highlight our staff drivers who use electric vans to pick up food daily, as well as our volunteer driver program which allows anyone in Los Angeles with a vehicle to be able to make a difference. FoodCycle will share how we have leveraged innovative technologies to maximize impact and divert more food from landfills. We will also outline personal stories from recipients of food we have recovered, and how our program has impacted their lives.

Speakers

Martina Gallagher, FoodCycle

Title

Manager Westside Operations and Outreach

Speaker Biography

For the past three years Martina has been in charge of Outreach and Operations for FoodCycle. She has focused on building a network of volunteers and nonprofits to recover food and build a robust donation program at participating businesses. She has focused on educating businesses and engaging their employees.

Martina is currently working with FoodCycle and the City of Santa Monica to create a food recovery network that complies with SB1383.

Abstract Title

Creating Change through Collaboration

Speaker Abstract

Martina would be part panel representing FoodCycle

Sami Duzy, FoodCycle LA

Title

CCAC Fellow

Speaker Biography

Sami Duzy is a Fellow with the California Climate Action Corps. Sami is working with FoodCycle LA focusing on Donor Outreach and Education. She plays a critical role in volunteer engagement by enrolling volunteers in the Chowmatch app and helping train them in food recovery. Sam is in Masters Degree Program in Nonprofit Management at the University of Southern California and has worked in community farming in the Peace Corps in South America

Abstract Title

Creating Change through Collaboration

Speaker Abstract

This presentation would be part of a panel of speakers from FoodCycle

Zitlally Rico, FoodCycle

Title

California Climate Action Corps Fellow

Speaker Biography

Lolly Rico has a background in sustainability working in the fashion industry. She is currently a California Climate Action Corps Fellow working with FoodCycle. Lolly works with volunteers to help train them to recover food, helps with data management and tracking donations through the Careit app and assists with Donor Outreach and Education.

Abstract Title

Creating Change through Collaboration

Speaker Abstract

Lolly would be part of a panel discussion outlined in the Abstract shared by Executive Director Nancy Beyda

CRRA 2023 Conference and Trade Show

August 13–16, 2023

Hyatt Regency Burlingame, CA