The National Restaurant Association announced a partnership with the Food Donation Connection (FDC), an organization that works to help foodservice companies reduce food waste and feed those in need. Through a national partnership with FDC, the association will work to galvanize the industry to donate surplus food while taking advantage of unrealized tax benefits of food donation.

“Our industry’s nearly one million restaurants serve more than 130 million individuals each day, and by using innovative and effective food donation programs, they can serve even more,” says Dawn Sweeney, president and CEO of the National Restaurant Association. “The Food Donation Connection has expertise in helping restaurants turn their surplus foods into meals for those in need, and we are excited to partner with this organization. Together, we can truly make a difference in eliminating hunger in America while at the same time facilitating the donation process for our members.”

Founded by a former restaurant executive, FDC serves as the liaison between the companies interested in donating food and the organizations that provide meals to those in need. FDC has assisted foodservice companies with the development and implementation of programs designed to provide an alternative to discarding surplus food, while capitalizing on the economic benefits of those donations through tax savings. Since 1992, it has helped facilitate the donation of over 140 million pounds of wholesome, prepared food to non-profit, hunger-relief agencies.

“We appreciate this opportunity to join the National Restaurant Association in an effort to reduce food waste and address hunger in America,” says Bill Reighard, president of FDC. “The hunger-relief agencies truly appreciate the free source of wholesome prepared food. These donations allow them to focus on their main mission of helping those in need instead of worrying about the cost and preparation of food. The agencies are excited that the association has stepped up in a significant way to fight against hunger. We look forward to expanded participation by the restaurant industry.”

The National Restaurant Association will work closely with FDC to help recruit new restaurants and expand the reach of its food donation services.

FDC administers donation programs for Pizza Hut, KFC, Taco Bell, Long John Silver’s, A&W, NPC International, Olive Garden, Red Lobster, LongHorn Steakhouse, The Capital Grille, Bahama Breeze, Seasons 52, The Cheesecake Factory, Grand Lux Café, Smokey Bones, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Aunte Anne’s Inc., Rock Bottom Breweries, Old Chicago, Chop House, Cracker Barrel, and Walnut Brewery.