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Perishable Food Recovery Program
Established in 2018 to assist the Central Okanagan Food Bank and grocery retailers of all sizes, our Perishable Food Recovery Program addresses the environmental, social, and economic issue of food waste by taking surplus perishable food and redirecting it from the landfill.
The Central Okanagan Food Bank’s Perishable Food Recovery Program operates 364 days/year and partners with 12 local retail grocery partners as well as local farmers to recover all perishable food regardless of viability. Edible foods are then distributed to individuals, families, and community agencies. Inedible foods are either distributed to farmers for animal feed or sent for compost.
The Central Okanagan Food Bank’s Perishable Food Recovery Program operates 364 days/year and partners with 12 local retail grocery partners as well as local farmers to recover all perishable food regardless of viability. Edible foods are then distributed to individuals, families, and community agencies. Inedible foods are either distributed to farmers for animal feed or sent for compost.

Food Recovery Program
Total lbs. received:
2,898,490
◦ Total lbs composted: 410,355
◦ Total lbs kept from landfill: 2,488,135
◦ Total lbs kept from landfill: 2,488,135
Total lbs. Distributed:
2,694,656
◦ Distributed to clients: 1,559,288
◦ Distributed to other Food Banks: 429,871
◦ Distributed to local agencies: 295,141
◦ Distributed to other Food Banks: 429,871
◦ Distributed to local agencies: 295,141
*Based on 2021 fiscal year.