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 do not make enough food, it’s simply that good food is ending up in landfills rather than being eaten. CFR aims to prevent this waste and improve food access for our neighbors.

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 nonprofit or mutual aid partner.

Who does Chicago Food rescue work with?

We deliver food rescues to any organization or institution serving people in need of food — soup kitchens, pantries, public housing sites, WIC sites, and more.

What types of foods can be rescued?

Any food that's edible and has been stored properly. Although we do not accept donation from private residence or food from a self-serve buffet.

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 nonprofit and mutual aid partners in time to be safely served or stored.

Can partners request specific food?

Due to the nature of retail food donation, we cannot accommodate specific food requests but we can work with you to meet your needs. Nonprofits can always decline a delivery or request a smaller amount.

If a nonprofit or mutual aid partner has surplus food, can they donate it?

Absolutely! Recipient partners can be both recipients and donors. As long as you follow our donation guidelines, we’ll gladly rescue your surplus food.

Can the food be resold?

No, CFR partners with nonprofits that serve people facing food insecurity. Our goal is to help vulnerable communities and reduce food waste...a win-win!

Can I get my data?

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

I’d like to accept food donations but I’m worried about liability

We totally understand but you don’t need to be and here’s why:

• The Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Act - protects food donors and nonprofits from civil and criminal liability if the food was donated in good faith and was not knowingly unsafe or spoiled at the time of donation.

• Food Donation Improvement Act - strengthens and extends protections from the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Act to food donations made directly to individuals, as long as the donations are free and made in good faith.