Amid COVID-19 crisis, what restaurants can do with their extra food

As Philly’s eateries determine how to handle the two-week halt to dine-in service, several city agencies are reminding them of one option for any extra food – donate it.

The city of Philadelphia suspended dining service Monday, telling restaurants only take-out or delivery is permitted until at least March 27.

The service shift, however, means many dining establishments currently have more perishable food than customers to feed.

Instead of throwing out the surplus, Philadelphia’s Office of Children and Families is encouraging restaurants to coordinate with Food Connect.

The app, one of several in our area, lets restaurants and other food retailers schedule curbside pick-ups with Food Connect drivers, who transport the donation to “a local meal site, food pantry, food bank, or community shelter.”

“These donations will have an immediate impact,” the Office of Children and Families said in a news release. “…they will typically be consumed the same or next day.”

For guidelines on what types of food is accepted (and suggestions on how individuals can also donate), check out Food Connect’s FAQs page.

Cover photo: VISIT PHILADELPHIA®