
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.
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:
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.

Other ways to participate
Learn the facts
Volunteer
Reduce food waste at home
Resource library
For recipients
How to increase access to food donations (webinar recording) →
What food recovery involves - for hunger-relief agencies (webinar recording) →
Directory of food recovery service providers in Metro Vancouver →
Grants and funding opportunities in Metro Vancouver →
Advertise volunteer opportunities at your organization →
7 tips for food donor recruitment by Vancouver Food Runners →
FoodMesh's food safety guide →
Progress over the years
Look back at the highlights from each year of the project
