Metro Vancouver is supporting the creation of a regional food recovery network

If food waste were measured as a country, it would be the world’s third-worst emitter of greenhouse gases (after China and the US). Food waste is an enormous problem and one we need to take action against.

Metro Vancouver is updating its solid waste management plan with the goal of reducing solid waste and related emissions through a transition to a circular economy. Food recovery efforts prevent unsold food from going to waste or compost, avoid CO2e emissions and create jobs.

Metro Vancouver has a contract with FoodMesh to increase food recovery in the region. The Food Recovery Network project helps Metro Vancouver based food businesses divert their unsold food from going to waste or compost in a safe, cost effective and convenient way.

How to get involved

Join a growing community of organizations that are coming together to help ensure that no food unnecessarily goes to waste.

If you have surplus food

Tell us about your surplus so we can start finding you a recipient for that food.

If you need donated or low-cost food

Join the network and we will be in touch as soon as there is surplus food available in your area.

Support for unexpected surplus

We know you might get caught out with large quantities of unexpected surplus food. We’re here to help you put that food to its highest end use, quickly and easily, so it doesn’t go to waste.

How it works

1. Request a pickup

Call 1-844-888-MESH (1-844-888-6374) Monday to Friday, 9-4 PST

Can’t reach us during business hours? Send us a message anytime.

2. We find the right home

Within an hour, we'll confirm which community partner is picking up your surplus and when.

3. Hassle-free collection at your dock

Within 48 hours, the community partner arrives at your preferred time and collects the surplus from your loading dock.

4. Everyone wins!

You reduce waste, feed more and save money on your waste hauling fees

Support for ongoing surplus

For many businesses, surplus arises on a regular basis. We help you divert it away from waste streams on the schedule you decide, reliably and hassle-free:

How it works

1. Set your pickup schedule

Whether you need daily or weekly pickups, we’ve got your back.

2. Food is collected from your dock

Edible food goes to hunger relief organizations feeding your neighbours. Inedible food goes to local farmers for animal feed. Nothing goes to landfill.

3. Your costs drop

Less waste hauling means lower fees.

Meet Metro Vancouver’s food recovery network

Don’t see what you’re looking for?

Give us a call, and we’ll work with you to try to find a recipient for your surplus food.

Progress over the years

Look back at the highlights from each year of the project

“I have worked at various food manufacturers where I have initiated and used the FoodMesh application, network and tools to divert surplus food from landfills to various charities. Food manufacturers have surplus for various reason, most of which is safe and palatable foods which are perfectly fine for human consumption. It was very hard for me to connect with local charities and FoodMesh has facilitated the process and made it quick and efficient. Furthermore, it has brought an SOP in place so that when I left a company, the continuity of the process kept on. They have a user-friendly Marketplace and application and their customer service team is always there to help. I am proud to have contributed to their goal of reducing food waste and increasing food security in our communities by providing food and ingredients through their program. I wish more companies could partake in the FoodMesh initiative to increase their impact on our communities.”

Jo Pilon
Food donor