Beyond the Plate: A Corporate Food Initiative Program

Beyond the Plate is a Corporate Social Responsibility Food Recovery Program designed to help organizations hosting events reduce food waste and support local communities.

By partnering with Haven’s Harvest, event organizers can ensure that excess food from their gatherings benefits those in need, rather than ending up in the waste stream.

This program is available in the following CT counties:

  • New Haven

  • Fairfield

  • New London

  • Litchfield

  • Hartford

  • Middlesex

How It Works:

1. Partnership Setup:

   - Partner with Haven's Harvest during your event planning process.

   - Provide details about the event, including location, caterer, and estimated attendance.

2. Coordination:

   - We liaise with your caterer, vendors, or venue to arrange seamless pickup of any excess food.

   - Our team ensures that the food is handled safely and redistributed to local organizations and individuals who need it most. Our volunteers use real-time tracking through our app to ensure food remains safe and out of “danger zones".

3. Educational Support:

   - We can offer materials for your event to highlight your sustainability efforts.

4. Recognition:

   - Participating organizations are encouraged to mention Haven's Harvest in event materials, promoting their commitment to corporate responsibility.

Program Benefits:

For Your Organization:

  - Align your event with sustainability goals and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

  - Receive public recognition for supporting food recovery and combating food insecurity.

For the Community:

  - Ensure edible, surplus food reaches those in need, contributing to a healthier and more equitable community.

For the Planet:

  - Reduce food waste and greenhouse gas emissions, supporting environmental sustainability.

Program Fee:

A suggested donation of *$1 per attendee helps support the logistics of food recovery and community redistribution.

*Subject to change

Let’s Make Your Event a Force for Good

Contact us today to discuss how your upcoming event can make a meaningful impact. Together, we can recover food, reduce waste, and uplift our community.

  • 1. Is it safe to donate leftover food?
    Yes, food safety is our top priority. We work with experienced food professionals and volunteers who follow strict handling and transportation guidelines to ensure all food remains safe for consumption. Additionally, donors are protected under the federal Good Samaritan Food Donation Act, which reduces liability concerns when donating in good faith.

    2. What if our caterer is concerned about liability?
    Many caterers worry about legal repercussions when donating surplus food. However, the Good Samaritan Food Donation Act protects food donors from liability as long as the food is donated in good condition. We can also provide information and support to help caterers feel confident in participating.

    3. How does the food pickup process work?
    Once you partner with Haven's Harvest, our team will coordinate directly with your caterer, vendors, or venue to arrange seamless food pickups by our volunteers. We ensure timely collection and proper redistribution to local organizations and individuals in need.

    4. What happens if there are logistical challenges on the day of the event?
    We understand that events can be dynamic and unpredictable. Our team maintains open communication with event organizers to address any last-minute changes and ensure food recovery efforts go smoothly. We just ask that to be made aware of any changes as soon as possible.

    5. How do you ensure that all food is handled safely?
    Our team follows strict food safety guidelines for storage, transport, and distribution. We use real-time tracking through our app to ensure food remains safe and out of “danger zones.”

    6. How much does it cost to participate in the program?
    We suggest a donation of $1 per attendee to help cover logistics and operational costs associated with food recovery and redistribution. Your support ensures the sustainability of our efforts to combat food waste and hunger.

    7. What if our organization cannot contribute financially?
    We strive to make food recovery accessible to all organizations. If the suggested donation poses a challenge, please reach out to us to discuss alternative ways to support the program.

    8. What are the environmental benefits of participating?
    By diverting surplus food from landfills, your event helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve resources, and promote sustainability. Every pound of food recovered contributes to a healthier planet.

    9. How can we showcase our participation in the program?
    We can provide materials to highlight your commitment to sustainability. Participating organizations are encouraged to mention Haven's Harvest in their event materials to showcase their corporate social responsibility efforts.

    10. How do we measure the impact of our participation?
    Haven's Harvest can provide a report detailing the amount of food recovered and the community impact, allowing you to track and share your sustainability achievements with stakeholders.

    11. How can we get started with Beyond the Plate?
    Contact us today to discuss your upcoming event! We’ll help you make a meaningful impact by reducing food waste and supporting your community.