A statewide food recovery program has hit a major milestone — redirecting 63 million pounds of surplus food to hungry New Yorkers while helping slash climate pollution from landfilled waste.
The achievement comes through the New York State Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law, which requires large food-related businesses to donate excess edible food and compost remaining scraps. The program is led by Feeding New York State in partnership with the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
The initiative, launched in 2021, has ramped up rapidly — growing from just 50,000 pounds per month in its early days to more than 2.4 million pounds monthly as of mid-2025. That food now reaches over 3 million food-insecure residents across the state, through a network of 10 regional food banks and hundreds of local agencies.
“This is about turning surplus into sustenance,” said Kathleen Stress, interim executive director of Feeding New York State. “Instead of ending up in landfills, this food is helping build stronger, healthier communities.”
The program is backed by $10.8 million in Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) support, which helps food banks hire staff, buy trucks and refrigeration equipment, and expand pickup operations at stores, colleges, and restaurants.
In addition, DEC recently awarded $4.26 million to 145 local food relief organizations, such as soup kitchens and pantries, to boost their storage and transport capacity.
Tackling both hunger and climate change
State officials see the program as a national model — not just for its scale, but for its dual impact on food insecurity and environmental sustainability.
By keeping food out of landfills, the law reduces methane emissions — a potent greenhouse gas. And by connecting more rescued food with struggling households, it helps counteract recent cuts to federal hunger relief programs.
DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton called the 63-million-pound milestone “a source of pride,” noting that it’s the result of “public-private collaboration and smart state investments.”
Hunters can help too
New York’s hunters also play a role in food recovery. Through a partnership with the Venison Donation Coalition, hunters donate about 40 tons of deer meat annually to local food banks.
In 2024 alone, DEC provided over $21,000 in support to fund venison processing and food bank distribution. Hunters can donate game at participating processors or contribute financially when purchasing hunting licenses.
For more information on food waste reduction, composting, or how to donate, visit:
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