Too Good to Waste

Writers Note: After more than 24 years in food and beverage, with the majority spent supporting meetings and events, I’ve had the privilege of feeding millions of people. In 2020, I was honored to assist in the implementation of Boston Hope, a field hospital dedicated to caring for those affected by COVID-19 and individuals experiencing homelessness during the pandemic.

This experience profoundly shaped many aspects of my career, but it was the process of getting surplus food from the field hospital into the hands of those who needed it most in our community that truly left an impression on me. Partnering with a local food rescue program opened my eyes to how easy it is for us, as event professionals, to make a real impact on our communities.

I made a promise to myself that I would always share this knowledge, ensuring others understand just how simple it can be to create positive change. Thank you to Access for sharing their platform with me to further share this message.

Let’s be real—if you’ve ever walked through a banquet hall post-event, you’ve seen it: trays of untouched pasta, towers of mini desserts, mountains of barely-grazed salad. While your inner foodie might weep, your inner humanitarian is probably thinking: “Why aren’t we donating this food?”

Here’s the jaw-dropper: in the U.S., we waste 30–40% of our food supply every year. That’s $408 billion—yes, with a “B”—worth of food, gone. In the events industry, roughly 10–15% of food goes uneaten. That’s not just waste—it’s a missed opportunity to make a real difference.

As event professionals, we have the privilege of creating unforgettable experiences—but we also carry the responsibility to leave the communities we touch better than we find them. Our events bring economic boosts to host cities, supporting everything from hotels to transportation to local vendors. But when we zoom out and take a 10,000-foot view, we must ask: How can we benefit those who may never set foot in our ballrooms or walk the show floor?

The answer is right in front of us—often, in chafing dishes and catering trays. Donating leftover food can create a direct, meaningful impact on local communities, especially the underserved neighborhoods we rarely see during our time in a destination.

Take California, for example: a state known for its abundance and beauty, yet nearly 1 in 5 households faces food insecurity. The numbers are even higher for families with children. It’s a stark reminder that compassion—and action—should be part of every event plan.

I’ve had the amazing opportunity to speak with so many of our industry colleagues, and I always ask the same simple question: Why don’t we donate? And every time, the answers are pretty much identical. There are two common reasons planners and caterers hesitate to get leftover food into the hands—and bellies—of the local community.

So, let’s do some myth-busting—starting with the big one:

“We Can’t Donate Because of Legal Issues”

Truth bomb: Yes, you absolutely can. And not only can you—there are laws that protect you when you do.

Let’s clear something up: as of writing this blog, there is no reported case of anyone being held legally responsible for donating food to a nonprofit. Zero. Nada. Still, we’ve all heard the story of someone’s friend’s coworker’s cousin’s husband who got sued for giving away a tray of sandwiches. Sounds familiar, right? Yeah—urban legend. Myth officially busted.

Here’s the real deal: in the U.S., the Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act has your back. It protects anyone donating “apparently wholesome” food in good faith to a nonprofit, as long as it’s safe to eat. Unless you’re being grossly negligent or intentionally causing harm, you're protected. It also standardizes the law across the country, so you’re not stuck navigating a legal maze from state to state.

Bottom line? If you’ve got good food left over, there’s no reason not to do some good with it.

Also, major shoutout to the states that have gone the extra mile with even more protection for food donors—and an extra gold star to California, which now requires certain businesses to donate surplus food under SB 1383. These state-level laws don’t just back up the federal protections—they help clarify food safety rules, expand liability coverage, and in some cases, even toss in tax incentives for doing the right thing.

By addressing what’s happening on the ground in their own communities, these laws make it easier for folks to donate and harder for good food to go to waste. It’s a win for people, a win for the planet, and a win for the events world when we’re all part of the solution.

So basically, if you’re donating safely and with good intentions, you’re covered. No scary lawsuits. No “what if” panic.

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“I don’t know how to find somewhere to donate, and I don’t have the time to do it myself.”

Getting leftover food into community fridges and shelters doesn’t mean adding hours to your day—it might just mean making a phone call, downloading an app or utilizing your DMC partner.  Our local experts are connected to their community and can move resources to where they’re needed most.

If you’ve ever ordered a ride share or had takeout delivered—congrats! —you already have the skills to make a food rescue happen. Partnering with local food rescue organizations is truly that easy.

Once your food and beverage team does a quick breakdown—packaging leftovers, labeling allergens, production dates, and other basic info—you’re good to go. Pick up your phone, open an app, or contact your local rescue partner, and schedule a pickup right from your event site. That’s it.

No mountains of paperwork. No waiting games. Just good food goes to good people—with just a few taps.

And if you’re wondering, “Okay, but who do I call?” — we got you:

• Food Rescue Locator– Find a local organization near you to donate to

• Careit – A user-friendly app that connects you directly with food rescue partners and nonprofits

The resources are out there, the process is simple, and the impact. Huge.

Donating Food has never been easier!  And if you want to make it even easier… leave it to your Destination Management partner.  We’re here, we’re local, and we’re totally connected (and committed) to serving our local communities.  Access teams can do all the leg work ahead of time and be ready to make use of your surplus just like that.  Because doing good feels great, and we’re right here by your side to make it happen.

You might be thinking, "How else can I reduce food waste in America beyond donations?" The good news? You don’t have to revamp your entire operation to make a difference.

Start small:

• Use smaller plates! Choosing salad or lunch plates over dinner plates can reduce waste by 10-15%, whether you’re plating meals or setting up a buffet.

• Adjust buffet refill rates. Once food hits the buffet, it’s not going to make it to donations—so cut back on refills and consider closing the buffet once the flow of the event slows down.

• Set up a donation station behind the scenes. That way, food can go straight from the hot box or speed rack to ready for pickup!

• My favorite tip: If you’re offering boxed lunches or pre-packaged items, create a designated space where attendees can place what they won’t eat into a donation station. Not only does this make it easy to share, but it gives attendees a chance to feel good about their part in reducing waste!

Food is love. And donating food? That’s love with leftovers.

Whether you’re planning events, running a venue, or just someone who believes in doing the right thing—you’ve got the power to make an impact. And now you know: the rules are on your side, the tools are at your fingertips, and the need is very, very real.

Let’s make food rescue the default, not the exception. Let’s turn “too much” into “just right.” And let’s do it with heart & hustle.

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