Food Runners
Philanthropic Fundraising ServicesCalifornia, United States11-50 Employees
Food Runners is a San Francisco–based nonprofit that rescues surplus food and distributes it through local partner agencies to help alleviate hunger and curb waste. Founded in 1987 by Mary Risely, owner of a cooking school, its first food run delivered seven wedding cakes to Glide Memorial Church. By 2019 the organization averaged about 700 food runs per week and rescued roughly 18 tons of food weekly, supported by a small to mid-sized team coordinating activities in the city. In response to the pandemic, when many donors reduced, Food Runners opened its first kitchen and hired a chef to prepare and individually package meals from donated food, designed for easy distribution by recipient agencies to people in need, including those living in SROs or on the streets. The organization has continued to pursue its core aims of preventing food waste, alleviating hunger, and building community through this model. In May 2026, it was recognized by the North Bay Leadership Council for Innovative and Entrepreneurial Spirit.
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