With the holiday season upon us, we’re all enjoying a lot of little luxuries and some culinary excess. But it’s also a good time to remember how fortunate we are, and to think about passing on some of our bounty to others in our community. FOOD RUNNERS, an organization started by Tante Marie’s Mary Risley 25 years ago, takes excess prepared and perishable foods from restaurants and delivers it to area shelters. Many local restaurants participate, as do farmers’ markets, grocery stores, food photographers, and event planners. With all the holiday parties happening right now, it’s a great resource to prevent waste and help others.
If your business has prepared or perishable items you would otherwise throw away, give Food Runners a call and they will pick up your items for free. For guidelines on how to donate, go here. Give ‘em a call at 415-929-1866.
If you’re up in Marin County, you can also donate your prepared food! Based on the model of Food Runners, new nonprofit EXTRAFOOD.ORG is offering a similar service in Marin County. They are also looking for volunteers to pick up and drop off food items, if you’ve got some time to spare. For more details on donating and volunteering, head here or call 415-997-9830.
Volunteers for Food Runners pick up a donation. Photo courtesy Food Runners.
