Food Recovery Program of Waukesha County

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What is a food recovery program?

Our mission is to foster and promote the recovery and safe distribution of food that would otherwise be wasted. Both perishable and non-perishable foods prepared for the public but never served will be accepted in small or large quantities.

This first component of program provides the infrastructure and collaboration necessary to provide local businesses with an efficient and reliable system to donate quality food items. The second component of the program ensures that the food items will be quickly and safely distributed among local food pantries, meal sites and shelters.

Advantages to donating food worthy of consumption:

Help to reduce hunger in your community Reduce your company’s disposal costs The values of food donations are tax-deductible Reduce your company’s use of landfill sites Company culture will be enhanced by helping others

Will my company be protected from liability concerns?

Yes, please review the Good Samaritan Act below. To view a copy of the Good Samaritan Act in its entirety, please visit http://www.licares.org/General_Information/Good_Samaritan_Act.htm or review a summary by visiting http://www.usda.gov/news/pubs/gleaning/seven.htm

Who is currently donating to the program?

127 different companies – from food purveyors, manufacturers and growers to catering businesses & restaurants.

How is the donated food distributed to those in need?

The donations are delivered to or picked up by 71 agencies local food pantries, meal programs and shelters. The food donated is utilized as quickly as possible.

What kind of food can be donated?

Fresh or frozen produce Fresh or frozen meats Baked goods Dairy products (including eggs) Leftover menu entrees from restaurants, buffets and catered events Canned and packaged food items with nearing expiration dates

How does the program work?

Identify food items suitable for donation. Handle food at the appropriate temperature* Package food to be picked up or delivered* Contact the Food Pantry of Waukesha County at 262.542.5300

*Questions regarding proper food handling should be directed to The Food Pantry on weekdays from 9 AM to 4 PM or the Division of Environmental Health at 262.896.8300 on weekdays from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Other recommended practices for safe food handling:

Hot foods must be maintained at 140 degrees F or above until they can be properly cooled and transferred to refrigerated conditions. Divide foods into shallow containers for rapid cooling and transfer directly to refrigerator or freezer Identify and date the food items with a legible label. Cold foods must be maintained at 40 degrees or below until the food is ready to be picked up. Minimize hand contact with ready –to-eat foods Properly package and store foods to prevent cross-contamination Food items that have been thawed cannot be refrozen

Contact Charlotte Borchert, Food Recovery Coordinator
262.542.5300 ext. 102 OR charlotte.wfp@tds.net 

The Good Samaritan Act

Laws specifically designed to protect YOU, the donor

895.51 Civil liability exemption: food donation, sale or distribution

(1)	In this section:

(b) “Charitable organization” means an organization the contributions to which are deductible by corporations in computing net income under s. 71.26 (2).

(c) “Food distribution service” means a program of a private nonprofit organization that provides food products directly to individuals with low incomes or that collects food products for and distributes food products to persons who provide food products directly to individuals with low incomes.

(d) “Food products” has the meaning specified in s. 93.01 (6).

(e) “Qualified food” means food products that meet the standards of quality established by state law or rule or federal law and regulations, including food products that are too readily marketable due to appearance, age, freshness, grade, size, surplusage or other condition, except that ‘qualified food’ does not include canned products that are leaking, swollen, dented on a seam or not airtight.

2)

Any person engaged in the processing, distribution or sale of food products, for profit or not for profit, who donates or sells, at a price not to exceed overhead and transportation costs, qualified food to a charitable organization or food distribution service is immune from civil liability for the death of or injury to an individual caused by the qualified food donated or sold by the person.

3)	Any charitable organization or food distribution service which distributes free of charge qualified food to any person is immune from civil liability for the death of or injury to an individual caused by the qualified food distributed by the charitable organization or food distribution service.

4)	This section does not apply if the death or injury was caused by willful or wanton acts or admissions.

History: 1981 c. 219; 1983 a. 189 s 329 (20); 1987 a. 27; 1987 a. 312 s. 17; 1989 a. 108; 1991 a. 39; 2005 a. 155

To view a copy of the Good Samaritan Act in its entirety, please visit http://www.licares.org/General_Information/Good_Samaritan_Act.htm or review a summary by visiting http://www.usda.gov/news/pubs/gleaning/seven.htm

Food Recovery Program Partners:

Food Pantry of Waukesha County Waukesha County Department of Parks & Land Use Waukesha County Nutrition Coalition Waukesha County University of Wisconsin-Extension

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