DETROIT (WXYZ) — The City of Detroit will partner with Forgotten Harvest and Detroit restaurants to "rescue" surplus food that otherwise might go to waste during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The donations will help residents in need.
The Food Rescue program is being offered to interested restaurants with surplus food waste and ability to transport to nearby agencies.
Organizers are looking for surplus food that will perish due to closure of restaurants. Businesses interested in participating can fill out a signup form here.
Restaurants with over 500 pounds of food to donate are eligible to coordinate pickup by Forgotten Harvest. Restaurants with donations available under 500 pounds but inadequate transportation can receive delivery assistance.
“These are unprecedented times and we need to find creative solutions to all work together and support those in our community that are most in need,” said Charity Dean, Director of the City’s Department of Civil Rights, Inclusion & Opportunity, in a press release. “This approach works for everyone. It helps get food to those who need it and it helps businesses get rid of surplus food and support their bottom line by receiving a tax credit.”
Acceptable food rescue donations include prepared food that is:
– Prepared less than 4 days from today’s date
– In foil pan with either secured foil lid or covered in film wrap with foil on top
– Properly labeled
– Properly cooled
– Perishable/non-prepared food must be refrigerated at 41°F or below
– Any non-perishable food with labels and packaging intact
– Food that cannot be donated include:
– Food that is open, left out for sampling or not properly cooled
– Any fish or seafood (raw or frozen)
– Uncooked or unfrozen protein
– Open cut produce
– Non-frozen prepared food that is 4 days or older