What is rescued food?

Rescued food is perfectly edible food that would otherwise go to waste.

Why is food rescue important?

Food insecurity is not a supply and demand issue...it’s a supply chain issue! 40% of the food produced in the US food goes to waste, while 1 in 7 people go hungry (1 in 5 in Chicago). It’s not that we don’t produce enough food, it’s simply that good food is ending up in landfills . CFR aims to prevent this waste and improve food access for our neighbors.

What if we’re already donating food?

• First of all, that’s great...we’re happy to hear you’re already doing your part to minimize food waste and feed our neighbors!

• Secondly, we aim to collaborate, not compete! We respect your existing relationships and processes. If it helps, we can adopt the logistics and continue managing your current donations.

• Lastly, are there days of the week or food types that you’re still throwing out? We’d be happy to send a volunteer to rescue that food, even if its a small amount!

I’d like to donate but I’m worried about liability

We totally understand you’re concern but don’t worry, there are laws that are protecting you. And here’s a quick summary below:

• The Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Act (Federal)

  • Protects individuals, businesses, and nonprofits that donate food in good faith to a nonprofit organization.

  • Covers donations of perishable, prepared, and shelf-stable foods.

  • Immunity applies as long as there’s no gross negligence or intentional misconduct.

• Food Donation Improvement Act (Federal)

  • Strengthens and expands the Emerson Act by clarifying protections and expanding liability protection to direct donations to individuals through nonprofits (e.g., food recovery programs).

• Illinois Good Samaritan Food Donor Act (State)

  • Mirrors federal protections, reinforcing that food donors acting in good faith are not liable for damages from donated food. Applies to retailers, restaurants, caterers, and other food businesses.

How does CFR rescue food?

We're a volunteer-driven transportation solution that coordinates food rescues through the CFR app. Food donations are entered into the app, which notifies volunteers when and where to pick it up. They then claim the rescue and deliver the food directly to the NPP.

What food donors does CFR work with?

We accept surplus food donations from any business or institution — grocery stores, restaurants, farms, schools, caterers, and more. The only place we don't pickup from is private homes. If you have food to donate, call us and we'll arrange a pickup.

What types of foods can be rescued?

Any food that's edible and has been stored safely.

Ok great, but is this safe?

Yes! We work with volunteers and use technology to track how long food is in transit, ensuring it reaches our NPPs in time to be safely served or stored.

How often can I donate food?

There are two options:

• Repeating rescues: If you know when you'll have surplus food on a regular basis, we can schedule rescues in advance on a day and time that works for you

• One-time rescues: If you have unexpected surplus food, contact us and we'll arrange a pickup as soon as possible.

Can I get a donation receipt or my donation data?

Yes, we can provide your organization with detailed rescue information on the food you’ve donated, including weight, meal equivalent and number of rescues.