MEMORANDUM
Georgeanne A. White, City Manager
Unique Qualifications of Central California Food Bank
June 13, 2025
As DPU continues the implementation of both the CAP and the grant-funded work plan, a need has emerged to support and elevate the operations of local Food Recovery Organizations who are actively diverting edible food from our landfills. CCFB, the largest emergency food provider in Central California, plays a central role in recovering surplus edible food and redistributing it to food-insecure communities across Fresno and neighboring areas.
CCFB's established recovery partnerships with over 230 local grocery stores, food service providers, and wholesalers directly align with the intent of SB 1383, which mandates the recovery of edible food that would otherwise be disposed. Since 2017, CCFB has diverted 189,000,000 lbs of food which would otherwise have become refuse in landfills. In 2023 alone, CCFB diverted an estimated 812,273 lbs of food within the city of Fresno.
Due to its extensive operational network, deep community ties, and proven track record in food recovery and redistribution, CCFB is uniquely qualified to assist the City in meeting its compliance obligations while also addressing community food insecurity through expanded recovery and redistribution channels.
Their established distribution channels reach hundreds of local nonprofits, food pantries, and direct service sites throughout Fresno and surrounding counties. This infrastructure not only maximizes the volume of edible food recovered, but also ensures it is delivered to those in our community who are most in need.
Given their unmatched regional footprint, logistical capacity, and integration into the local food recovery ecosystem, no other organization is positioned to fulfill this role with the same level of effectiveness. Staff therefore recommend that the City Manager find CCFB uniquely qualified to assist with this portion of the City's SB 1383 compliance efforts and authorize DP to proceed with a service agreement accordingly. __ Approved __ Denied