What can I do with all the left-over food the restaurant I cook for throws away every night??

Question

It seems like such a waste so I figured there might be some kind of organization that will come and get it so it can be used as animal feed at least. Its good food (I work at a steakhouse) and I take some home every night but there is usually more than I could eat before it went bad or I'd take it all. What can I do??

Answer 1

It depends on local laws, so I'd suggest you contact your local government. IF it can be given to hungry people, they should be able to guide you on how to do it right and not risk the restaurant's reputation and or licensing. This might mean temperature management etc. but this is done is some cities...

If it can't - perhaps there might be an organic farmer or produce or meat supplier who'd use/compost it or connect you with a good possible donor? Composting might require waste be segregated as to type...

Answer 2

use it as fertilizer

Answer 3

Donate it to a homeless shelter

Answer 4

donate it to a local homeless shelter or your local senior citizens organization.

Answer 5

Well, you need to talk to your boss first.  I worked in food service for three years, and I saw a few people lose their jobs just for taking leftovers home to their families.  It definitely is not worth losing your source of income to get a little bit of food.  Most restaurants are not okay with allowing employees to take leftovers home lest the employees start overproducing to ensure a steady supply.  The same goes with animal feed.

As far as organizations, unfortunately you probably cannot help them.  There are so many regulations about food that you are generally not allowed to do that for legal reasons.  On the other hand, if it was food from sealed packages, then you could take sealed packages to organizations.  It might be possible to donate the food to a local humane society, but I don't know if that would be a good idea to feed that much various people food to all those animals.

Answer 6

I asked a restaurant owner about just this question. His answer surprised me. The law states that excess food can not be donated or given to outside individuals or organizations. Sanitary and health conditions prevail. Perhaps all that food can be flash frozen and then given away as a solution. There are plenty homeless people and shelters that would make a good meal from that contribution. Check with your local health dept and services businesses.

Spartawo...

Answer 7

I wish I knew as well....I work at a nursing home, and I see them throw away so much food each day, it seems like such a waste! It's so crazy, there are poor and undernourished people in our country yet we see so much food go to waste!

Answer 8

There are several thingsa you could do...

First off, speak to the manager or owner & ask if it's ok if you find a way to recycle the food, rather than just throwing it away.

You could compost the left overs, besides the meat. It makes great soil..If you don't garden then donate the soil to someone who does.

Donate the meat to a homeless shelter, or find less fortunate people to give it to.

Call your local animal shelter or zoo, and ask if they would be interested in feeding cooked meat to the dogs, cats, etc. They may even be glad to come pick it up.

Have the restaraunt not cook so much a head of the orders, so there isn't much to dispose  of.

Take home as much as you can & freeze it...It will still be good.

I think it is wonderful that you are conserned about the extra food going to waste. Keep up the good work & God bless.

Answer 9

Find out if there is a "farmer's co-op" near by. They can probably connect you up with a pig farmer. Another thought would be be your local animal shelter. They might be interested in the meat products for their strays.

Answer 10

Such a shame that all that food is simply trashed. You should ask your management or owner if they would consider donating teh left overs to local homeless shelters or church outreach programs. It would be a blessing to you and those that eat it as well.

Answer 11

You may want to check with some local farmers to see if you throw left overs in buckets everynight if they will get it for their animals every couple of days.  Pig farms would probably be best.  Or if you belong to a church maybe you could give it to some of the older folks who have a hard time doing for them selves.

Answer 12

Many towns and cities have a group called "Second Helpings" that accept food.  However, they require that you separate the different types of food.

You'd be better off bringing it home to your dog.

Answer 13

Build a composter, it all should be biodegradable.

Answer 14

Eat it or freeze it and serve it to relatives for holiday dinners.

Answer 15

Call your local shelter and set up a time in when you get off to drop off the unused food. Make sure you check with your boss first. If it's just being thrown out, they shouldn't have a problem. If they do, they suck and should be starved as a consequence!