As the result of the pandemic, many of the existing food supply chains have been disrupted, and with restaurants and other public venues closed or facing reduced traffic, much of the food items normally consumed in these venues has been left behind. The Surplus Food Rescue Program will help manage and redirect these existing surpluses to organizations addressing food insecurity and ensure that these surplus products reach Canada's vulnerable populations.
The Program has two core objectives:
- Support organizations serving vulnerable populations to process surplus commodities and food that would otherwise be wasted and distribute them to populations in need.
- Assist producers and processors to dispose of surplus commodities and connect this food to vulnerable populations and avoid food waste.