Butte County highlights edible food recovery work; 5:30 Food Rescue reports more than 550,000 pounds rescued

Butte County and partner organizations told the Board of Supervisors on Feb. 25 that the countywide edible food recovery effort is meeting state requirements under Senate Bill 1383 and is growing its capacity to serve residents.

Jennifer Arbuckle, who manages sustainability and solid waste programs and the Edible Food Recovery Working Group, described a countywide memorandum of understanding that funds an app‑based food rescue program and a small local grant cycle for nonprofits. Arbuckle said funding is pooled through the city of Chico and used for ongoing operating costs and grants to build capacity.

Sheila McQuade, project director for the 5:30 Food Rescue Coalition (housed at the Center for Healthy Communities at CSU Chico), said the coalition has "rescued and redistributed over 550,000 pounds of food from over a hundred area food businesses to over 78 nonprofits in Butte County," completed 3,639 rescues, and that 94% of pickups were performed by community volunteers using the app. Tim Hawkins, CEO of the Community Action Agency, said local investment kept the app and volunteer model operational after initial pilot funding.

The working group has awarded grants for refrigeration and logistics to local nonprofits (True North Housing Alliance, Jordan Crossing, Community Action Agency) and supports on‑site inspections and reporting required by SB 1383. Public commenters urged the working group to consider flexibility for community composting groups and broader grant eligibility; staff encouraged such groups to apply to the existing grant program if their projects include edible food recovery components.

The board received the presentation for information; no action was required.