Close up of Mexican pastries on a shelf with text "Be an Ally"

the power of allies

radical change requires a team effort

Our mission is bigger than any one organization. It requires all of us. Allies make the mission possible.

Sur+ is more than a food rescue initiative — it’s a movement for change. We’re shaping a future where each meal reflects compassion, sustainability, and community.

become an ally

funders and partners

fuel the movement

As a funder and partner, you fuel more than a bold new effort. You'll help build a food system that’s equitable, efficient, and built to last. As an early ally, you're not just supporting change — you’re co-creating it.

Your support multiplies impact by unlocking surplus food, nourishing families, and rallying a network of changemakers. It sets powerful change in motion, one bite at a time.

You can feel good knowing you’re helping tackle hunger and climate change through one shared mission.

4x impact

Every $1 invested returns $4 to society through environmental, health, and hunger relief benefits.

job creation

Unlike many food rescue efforts that rely on volunteers, we’re investing in local jobs and lasting food systems.

environmental gains

For every ton of food recovered, we stop 3.8 metric tons of CO₂e emissions and 1,800+ gallons of water waste.

systems efficiency

Food recovery is 10x more cost-effective than producing new food to meet the same need.

A committment to collective action

Allies: Funders & Partners

We're in our pre-launch phase, building our infrastructure and team. Sur+ actively seeks partners who recognize the urgency of the food waste and hunger crisis and are prepared to take meaningful action.

Support our work to save more surplus food from waste. You’ll help create a smarter system that lasts. Most importantly, you’ll ensure everyone has access to nutritious food.

Will your business partner with us to create real change? Join us as a committed, sustainable funding partner. We’d love to connect with you!

surplus food donors

turn Surplus into impact and savings

Surplus food donors are catalysts for change — turning excess into opportunity. Your partnership with Sur+ helps nourish families, reduce waste, and show your dedication to community and sustainability.

Donating surplus food isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s also a smart financial decision. Under federal law (IRC §170(e)(3)), eligible food donations may qualify for enhanced tax deductions — up to twice the cost of the donated food — while also helping you avoid costly disposal fees.

That’s the power of turning surplus into shared value.

compliance

Our donation process ensures compliance, food safety, and liability protection under the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act.

Financial benefits

Every $1 spent on our services returns up to $14 in value to your business through tax savings, reduced waste costs, and operational efficiency.

environmental

Donating food lowers methane emissions from landfills and lowers your carbon footprint.

responsibility

Boost your ESG and CSR profile with measurable impact that speaks to customers, employees, and stakeholders.

faqs

How do we become a food donor?

Contact us at hello@surplusfoods.org or complete this form.

How do we arrange a food donation pick up?

Contact us at hello@surplusfoods.org or complete this form.

Who can donate food?

Donor partners include a variety of sources. They range from local farms and farmer markets to grocery stores and manufacturer processors. Other donors are retailers, wholesalers, restaurants, bakers, and caterers. Corporate cafeterias, event venues, sports stadiums, and airports also participate. Schools, universities, hospitals, hotels, and convention centers can donate too. Basically, any business with surplus food can be a donor!

What types of food can be donated?

We accept:

  • Fresh produce that is whole and uncut, or cut and stored according to ServSafe guidelines
  • Dairy products that have not expired
  • Fresh meats that have not expired, or frozen by or before its expiration date
  • Unopened pre-packaged perishable foods
  • Prepared foods from a commercial kitchen that have not been served
  • Baked goods
  • Packaged dry goods, non-perishables

We do NOT accept:

  • Food that shows sign of spoilage, rot, or mold
  • Meat that has been thawed and refrozen
  • Food that has had direct exposure -- e.g. self-serve bars and buffets
  • Opened or partially used boxes or bags of food
  • Reheated leftover prepared food
  • Food in damaged packaging
  • Food from personal households
  • Alcohol

If you have any questions about donating food, please contact us at hello@surplusbites.org.

Are we protected from liability by donating food?

Yes! The federal Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act protects food donors and food assistance agencies. Learn more here.

Are there tax incentives for donating food?

Yes! Learn about federal tax incentives here.

Is there a food donation minimum?

Every donation, large or small, makes a significant difference to those in need in our community. While we don’t enforce a strict minimum for pick-up, we use our best judgment on a case-by-case basis to ensure we’re utilizing our resources effectively.

When can donated food items be picked up?

We arrange a convenient time for your business. Our technology platform makes it easy!

Is there a food donation drop off location?

No, we do not have a drop off location. We come directly to you to ensure food gets to those in need quickly and efficiently. Do you have surplus food that you would like to donate? We would love to hear from you! Please contact us at hello@surplusfoods.org or complete this form.

Can household food be donated?

No, we can only accept donated food from businesses.

Close up photo of a box of food with the word "Donation" written on the box

food assistance redistribution partners

sourcing made simple

Sur+ makes it easier for food assistance partners to serve their communities with dignity and care. Our reliable, high-quality donations help you reach more people with fresh, nourishing food.

We take the burden of sourcing off your plate so you can stay focused on what matters most: feeding neighbors in need.

steady supply

Access a steady stream of fresh surplus food to expand your reach and impact.

fresh food

Expand beyond shelf-stable foods with nutritious fresh produce, dairy, proteins, and prepared meals.

quality control

Our food safety protocols, logistics, and tracking make sure rescued food gets to you fast and safe.

flexibility

Whether you need bulk deliveries, small batches, or scheduled distributions, we’ve got you covered.

faqs

What types of food partner agencies does Sur+ work with?

Sur+ works with various food partner agencies. These include food banks, pantries, meal programs, shelters, community centers, and other local groups that fight food insecurity. These partnerships help us quickly share nutritious surplus food with those in need.

What kinds of food do partner agencies receive?

Sur+ partners with each food agency to provide donated surplus food that meets their specific needs. We consider factors such as capacity to receive, proximity to food donors, and receiving hours. Donations include produce, dairy, meat, pre-packaged perishables, prepared foods, baked goods, and packaged non-perishables.

How often can our organization receive food donations?

Sur+ collaborates with each of our food agency partners to establish donation frequencies and matches with businesses that donate surplus food. Some donations are one-time, while others follow a regular schedule.

How do you find businesses that provide donated food?

At Sur+, we work to build strong ties with businesses that have surplus food. We partner with grocery stores, farms, wholesalers, universities, event venues, restaurants, caterers, and more in Northern Virginia and Washington, DC. By fostering these connections, we ensure that food donation recipients can focus on what matters most—serving their communities.

Does Sur+ provide food directly to individuals?

Yes! This is what sets Sur+ apart. We have strong food agency partnerships. Also, we run a direct-to-community program. This includes hyper-local partnerships and pop-up mobile markets. These efforts bring nutritious food straight to those in need.

Boxes of food sit in a line on a table at a market with a person in the background

volunteers

powered by the community

Volunteers can help turn surplus food into valuable resources by sorting donations, helping with food distribution, or supporting events.

When you volunteer with Sur+, you support a sustainable food system, cut down on waste, and help resource your community. Join us in taking meaningful action!

careers

join our team

To close the food waste and hunger gap, we need to do things differently — not only with innovative logistics but also through teamwork for better design and bigger impact.

Ready to join the movement?

Support sur+ >>>