MealConnect™

Hundreds of thousands of people are facing hunger. At the same time, 38 percent of all food produced in the United States goes to waste. MealConnect™ offers a solution.

What Is MealConnect?

The MealConnect app makes it easy for food producers to donate excess food to Feeding San Diego.

When you register on the app, you can easily post a food donation. The system then notifies local volunteers to pick up your donation. Once we receive it, we can get the food into the hands of people facing hunger.

Become a Food Donor Today
A woman wearing a Cross Out Hunger hat and apron holds a paper bag from Jimbo's

Who Can Use MealConnect?

Whether you’re a local farmer, run a chain of grocery stores, or operate a large restaurant, MealConnect works for food donors large and small.

By accessing the app via your smartphone, tablet, or computer, you can make an immediate impact and help your neighbors facing hunger. MealConnect is free for all users. Plus, all donations are tax-deductible!

Feeding San Diego maintains stringent food-safety standards to ensure food is handled safely by their volunteers and partners.

Why Use MealConnect?

In addition to diverting good food from the landfill and getting it into the hands of those who need it most, signing up helps you comply with Senate Bill 1383.

SB 1383, which went into effect on January 1, 2022, requires certain food businesses to donate the maximum amount of edible food they would otherwise dispose of to food recovery organizations. The goal is to divert organic waste from landfills to combat climate change while also addressing food insecurity in California.

Looking for a partner to comply with SB 1383?

You can sign up directly on MealConnect or contact our team with more questions.

Kate's headshot
Get in Touch
Hand holding carrots
Sign Up
Bin of fresh oranges

You had me at food rescue. How do I get started?

  1. Install the MealConnect app on your phone. Download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
  2. Sign up to become a MealConnect food donor.
  3. Submit a donation through the MealConnect platform.
  4. When approved by Feeding San Diego, a volunteer will come to you to pick up your donation.
  5. The volunteer donates the food to a Feeding San Diego partner, where it’s distributed to those in need.
It’s free, easy, safe, and good for the community – and your business!

Other Ways to Get Involved

Volunteer as a MealConnect Driver

Want to help pick up and distribute food to those in need? When you volunteer as a driver, you’ll receive food safety training and the equipment needed to transport food safely. Once you’re set up, everything is simple:

  1. Sign up to become a MealConnect driver.
  2. You’ll receive a text notification when a food donation is ready for pick-up.
  3. Simply pick up the donation, then deliver it to the drop-off location at a community partner.

It’s a simple, fun way to make a difference for those facing hunger in our community.

Become a MealConnect Driver
A man stands next to a pickup truck with a MealConnect volunteer driver sticker on the door

What if I still have questions?

Contact our food donation team using the form below.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.