Protecting the Future of Food Generosity
Chefs feed communities. We’re building the movement that protects their ability to give.
Imagine a future where every meal that can be donated — is donated.
Safely. Easily. Confidently.
That’s the mission of the Coalition to Protect Food Donations.
The Mission
Food donation is a critical component of our collective efforts to alleviate food insecurity and provides a crucial safety net for the approximately 53 million people in the U.S. who turn to food banks and pantries annually. By redirecting surplus and donated goods to those in need, this network not only alleviates immediate hunger but also tackles broader issues like food waste and public health.
The purpose of the Coalition to Protect Food Donation is to:
-
Educate every appropriate business in the food supply chain as to the critical food insecurity crisis facing millions of Americans across the country and in our communities.
-
Encourage their participation in addressing the need.
-
Provide those businesses the tools and resources they need to identify donation partners in their communities; and
-
Inform appropriate community leaders and stakeholders regarding the role that they can play in encouraging more business participation in the food donation system.
The Challenge
America’s food donation system is fragile – and at risk.
The industry continues to increase their participation in food donation, but significant barriers exist.
The de-centralized nature of the industry makes awareness of food donation opportunities difficult.
The lack of a strong policy foundation leads to uncertainty on behalf of operators and stifles participation.
Millions of meals are getting lost, and we have to ensure that never happens.
The Solution
Near-Term Goals
-
Build national awareness around the role chefs play in feeding communities
-
Build greater industry awareness about the opportunities to expand our collective impact
-
Empower restaurants to donate more efficiently and more confidently
-
Unite industry and hunger-relief partners under one coordinated voice
-
Protect donation incentives and fix harmful policy gaps
Long-Term Vision
-
An industry-led movement recognized at every level of our communities
-
A stronger pipeline connecting restaurants to food banks
-
A nationwide policy framework that fully supports food donation
-
A future where no good food — or good will — goes to waste
The Opportunity
This is our chance to build a new modern framework for food generosity.
For the first time, chefs, restaurants, food banks, and partners can come together to create a unified national voice.
This is a moment to reimagine the system and create something stronger, simpler, and fairer for everyone.
This coalition amplifies our leadership — shaping the future of giving with the people who know it best.
Restaurants are our nation’s gathering place. We nourish millions of Americans every day. We invest in our communities, our neighborhoods, and our neighbors. Let’s maximize what we already do best and help our country and communities address a growing national crisis.
What Is the 1% Charitable Deduction Floor?
Beginning in 2026, corporations can only deduct charitable contributions that exceed 1% of their taxable income.
-
Example: A company with $100 million in taxable income can only deduct donations above $1 million.
-
This rule was designed for cash and stock contributions, but because of how the law was written, it also applies to in-kind food donations.
The problem:
-
Most surplus food donations don’t add up to 1% of a company’s income – meaning many businesses won’t get a charitable deduction at all for donating food.
-
But if that same food is thrown away, companies can still claim a business loss deduction (which has no floor).
Bottom line: The tax code now makes it cheaper to waste food than to donate it.
OUR SOLUTION
A narrow, technical correction will fix the problem: Exempt surplus food donations from the OBBBA’s new 1% charitable floor.
.png)
.png)
Why Us?
Restaurants are trusted community anchors, and their leadership can define this movement.
Because no one understands the power of a meal like a restaurateur or chef.
Their leadership carries credibility, heart, and urgency.
They have always stepped up in moments of need.
This coalition amplifies that leadership — shaping the future of giving with the people who know it best.
Join Us
Become part of the movement that protects America’s food generosity.
Add your voice. Become a founding supporter. Shape the future with us.
Because when generosity is empowered, everyone gets fed.
