Second Helping Program
Donations of prepared, but not plated food from the food service industry redirected to people in need
How it works
The Second Helping Program works with hotels, caterers, restaurants, and food service businesses to redirect prepared surplus food. Food cannot be part of a buffet and must meet specific food safety standards to ensure food safety. Your donations will be shared with community agencies who provide meal services.
Identify your surplus
Most food service businesses produce surplus food regularly: from banquets to catering overruns to end-of-day kitchen production. Chat with our team about what you usually have available and we'll walk you through every step of the way.
Safe food handling and collection
Eligible donations are frozen, picked up by Edmonton’s Food Bank. We work closely with Alberta Health Services (AHS) to ensure the quality and safety of the food being shared due to the nature of the donation. Both donor as well as recipient organizations must be approved by AHS to participate in the program.
Redistribution to agencies
Food collected through the Second Helping Program is redistributed to partner agencies: shelters, community kitchens, and other organizations serving people in Edmonton for their meal and snack programs. Nothing usable goes to waste. Your surplus becomes a meal for someone who needs it.
Our Second Helping donors
We are grateful to our current active program donors.
Learn more
Want to donate?
Yet packaging costs are too great...
We can connect you with another collaborator, La Tablée des Chefs, who can help you with the necessary food grade storage containers
Participating businesses
Food service partners
2
To date, partnerships are small, yet mighty. Contact us to learn more about how you can donate food that has been prepared but not used
Across Edmonton
Agencies receiving food
15 +
This food directly supports soup kitchens, shelters, and other agencies for their meal programs in the community
In the community
“We work closely with Alberta Health Services (AHS) to ensure the quality and safety of the food being shared due to the nature of the product. Both donor as well as recipient organizations must be approved by AHS to participate in the program.
These donations are frozen, picked up by Edmonton’s Food Bank and then made available to agencies for use in their meal and snack programs. What a great initiative!”
Retail Food Specialist
Melissa
Frequently asked questions
Our Collaborators
