One year after the launch of the Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) Food Recovery Program, the initiative has made significant strides in assisting its member agencies in meeting state-mandated goals while also supporting local communities.
Alongside fulfilling these requirements, the program has successfully recovered tons of food before spoilage, marking a significant milestone in both environmental sustainability and community support.
In response to Senate Bill 1383, a California state law designed to cut greenhouse gas emissions by diverting organic waste from landfills, WRCOG developed a program that aligns with the state’s environmental targets and helps local residents by redirecting surplus food to those in need.
Utilizing the “Careit” platform, the program connects food donors with local organizations to recover and redistribute edible surplus food. Over the past year, WRCOG has diverted more than 145 tons of food from landfills.
Currently, five cities—Jurupa Valley, San Jacinto, Murrieta, Moreno Valley, and Perris—are actively engaged in the initiative.
“This initiative embodies the spirit of community giving and mutual support,” Rita Rogers, chairwoman of the WRCOG Executive Committee and City of Perris mayor pro tem said. “Through the collaborative efforts of businesses, nonprofits, and local governments, we are meeting the state’s environmental goals and providing essential resources to residents in need.”
SB 1383 requires California businesses to recover 20 percent of edible food by 2025, redistributing it through food recovery organizations. Businesses and organizations interested in contributing to the program can visit
www.wrcog.us/foodrecovery for more information.
WRCOG is a joint powers authority, consisting of the County of Riverside, 18 cities, two regional water districts, and the Riverside County Superintendent of Schools. Its actions and activities are guided by its members.
