Fighting food waste and hunger in Central California

Fresh Rescue connects local farmers with families in need by redirecting surplus produce and goods from Central California farmers markets to those who need it most.

Become a Sponsor

Program overview

Fresh Rescue is a community initiative launched by the California Fresh Farmers Market Association to reduce food waste and fight hunger in Central California. We collect surplus produce, baked goods and locally made food products from farmers and vendors that would otherwise go unsold or be discarded—and redirect them to trusted local organizations supporting families in need.

How it works

Vendors donate surplus food

Local farmers and vendors contribute surplus fresh produce, baked goods and locally made goods at the end of each market day.

Fresh Rescue picks it up

Fresh Rescue coordinates pickup and transport of donated items directly from market vendors.

Families receive fresh food

Donated goods are delivered to partner organizations who distribute them to vulnerable community members across Central California.

Benefits

Supporting farmers and feeding families

Reduces food waste

Tons of high-quality, locally grown food goes unsold each year. Fresh Rescue ensures that food reaches people instead of landfills.

Supports small farmers

Participating vendors turn unsold inventory into community impact, strengthening the connection between local agriculture and the people it serves.

Feeds families in need

Fresh produce and goods are among the hardest items for food banks to source. Fresh Rescue fills that gap with market-fresh food.

Become a Sponsor

Built on community partnerships

Fresh Rescue is made possible by the support of our sponsors and the dedication of our nonprofit partners working to end hunger in Central California.