FAQsFind answers to common questions about food rescue in Kentucky, donating surplus food, volunteering and partnering with Kentucky Harvest to strengthen food security across Kentuckiana.
Kentucky Harvest rescues surplus food from restaurants, grocery stores, manufacturers, distributors, and other food partners and delivers it to nonprofit organizations serving people facing food insecurity. We reduce food waste while increasing access to fresh, usable food across Kentuckiana.
We serve Jefferson, Oldham and Shelby counties in Kentucky, and Clark, Floyd and Harrison counties in Southern Indiana.
Restaurants, grocery stores, caterers, food manufacturers, farms, institutions, and distributors can all participate. Whether you have daily surplus or occasional excess, we can create a pickup plan that fits your operation.
Food is delivered directly to nonprofit partners such as food pantries, shelters, community kitchens and other service organizations that distribute food to individuals and families in need.
When a food partner has surplus available, volunteers or staff are notified through our coordinated system. Food is picked up promptly and delivered to a local nonprofit partner — often within hours — ensuring freshness and safety.
Kentucky Harvest does not provide direct home delivery to individuals. Instead, we rescue surplus food and distribute it through a network of nonprofit partners, food pantries, shelters, and community organizations that serve people throughout Louisville and Southern Indiana. If you are seeking food assistance, we can help connect you with a local partner organization.
Kentucky Harvest is supported by the generosity of individual donors, community contributions, grants, corporate partnerships, and fundraising efforts, which enable us to sustain and expand our food rescue operations.
The Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act provides federal liability protection to food donors and nonprofit organizations that donate food in good faith. This law encourages businesses and individuals to share surplus food by protecting them from civil and criminal liability when donations are made honestly and safely.
The 2022 update further clarified and expanded protections, including coverage for donations made directly to individuals and through nonprofit organizations.
Kentucky Harvest works closely with our food donors and volunteers to ensure safe food handling practices, giving partners confidence that their generosity is both protected and impactful.
Grocers, restaurants, caterers, farms, food manufacturers, and other food businesses can all participate in food rescue.
We accept fresh produce, dairy, meat, prepared foods, baked goods, shelf-stable items, and other surplus food that is safe and fit for consumption. If you’re unsure whether your food qualifies, our team can help evaluate donation options.
There is no cost to donate surplus food. In fact, donating can help reduce disposal expenses while supporting the local community.
Yes. The Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act, expanded by the Food Donation Improvement Act of 2022, protects food donors who donate in good faith and follow basic safety standards.
In addition to reducing disposal costs, food donation may qualify for federal enhanced tax deductions for businesses that donate inventory. (Consult your tax advisor for details specific to your organization.)
When surplus food becomes available, your team notifies Kentucky Harvest through our coordinated system. A trained volunteer or team member arranges prompt pickup and delivery to a local nonprofit partner — often within hours — ensuring freshness and efficiency.
Donation schedules are flexible. Some partners donate daily, while others participate weekly or on an as-needed basis. We work with your operations team to design a schedule that aligns with your workflow.
Kentucky Harvest can provide documentation of donated food and estimated impact data to support your corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting and sustainability goals.
Donating surplus food reduces landfill waste, lowers methane emissions, and strengthens local food systems. Food rescue aligns with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and sustainability commitments while creating measurable community impact.
Simply contact our team to schedule a consultation. We’ll review your surplus patterns, logistics, and goals to create a customized corporate food donation plan.
Get monthly updates on how rescued food is making a difference in our community—and how you can help.
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