Reducing Food Waste: How Food Recovery Supports Our Community

Food waste has environmental, economic and community impacts. When safe, usable food is redirected before it is discarded, it can help stretch existing resources while supporting people experiencing food insecurity. At Durham Alliance Outreach, food recovery is one part of the broader work behind DAO Market.

Why reducing food waste matters

Food takes land, water, energy, labour, transportation and packaging to produce and move through the food system. When edible food is discarded, those resources are lost along with the food itself.

Food sent to landfill can also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions as organic material breaks down. Preventing avoidable waste and redirecting suitable surplus food can therefore benefit both communities and the environment.

Food recovery and food security can work together

DAO’s food-support program began as DAO Pantry and evolved into DAO Market in 2026. DAO Market is Durham Region’s only 2SLGBTQIA+ food bank, is open to anyone in need, and works in partnership with Feed the Need in Durham.

Our choice-based model allows community members to select available food that works for their household, dietary needs and preferences. Choice can also help reduce waste: when people can select items they are more likely to use, food is less likely to go unused after it leaves the Market.

How businesses and organizations can help

Grocery stores, food businesses, farms, community organizations and other partners may sometimes have safe surplus food that can still be used. Redirecting appropriate products can turn potential waste into practical community support.

If your business or organization regularly has surplus food, contact DAO before arranging a donation. Our storage capacity, inventory and needs change, and some products may require specific handling or refrigeration. Coordinating in advance helps us determine whether we can safely receive and distribute what is available.

Email pantry@durhamallianceoutreach.org or call 905-738-8133 ext. 0556 to discuss a potential food donation or partnership.

What households can do

Reducing food waste also starts at home. Simple practices can make a difference:

• Plan meals and shop with a list.
• Check your refrigerator, freezer and cupboards before buying more.
• Store food properly and freeze items you will not use in time.
• Use leftovers creatively rather than automatically discarding them.
• Understand the difference between quality-based date labels and food-safety concerns.
• Compost food scraps where local programs or home composting options are available.

Thinking of donating food?

DAO Market welcomes useful food and essential donations, but food safety comes first. We may be unable to distribute products that are opened, damaged or compromised, unsafe because of their condition or date, or homemade or home-canned products that cannot be safely distributed.

For larger donations or food drives, please contact us first so we can confirm current needs and arrange receiving. You can also visit the DAO Market page for current program information.

Other ways to support DAO Market

Food recovery is only one part of addressing food insecurity. Community members can also organize a food drive, volunteer, share information about available supports, or make a financial donation. Financial support gives DAO flexibility to purchase high-need items when donated inventory is limited.

Reducing food waste and improving food access are both community efforts. By using resources more thoughtfully and redirecting suitable surplus food where possible, we can help build a food system that is more sustainable, practical and responsive to the people it serves.