Step 1
Submit donation details
Rethink Food is a chef-led nonprofit on a mission to create a
more sustainable and equitable food system.
Donate Meals
How we rethink food
Turn prepared meals into immediate community impact.
We partner with restaurants to provide meals for communities in need, while helping create jobs and supporting small businesses.
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How It Works
Step 2
Upload meal photos
Step 3
Rethink staff reviews
Step 4
Approved donations get acknowledgment PDF
What Counts as a Meal?
A meal generally includes a substantial entrée, a grain or starch, vegetables and/or fruit, and clear service-ready portions. This is practical guidance to speed up submission.
Likely Qualifies
- Chicken, rice, and vegetables
- Pasta with protein and side salad
- Turkey sandwich with fruit and side
- Packaged hot entrée with sides
May Need Review
- Single loose items
- Snacks only
- Beverages only
- Desserts only or bulk ingredients
Rethink Food reviews all submissions. Meal eligibility is determined by Rethink Food based on the prepared donation submitted. USDA-style meal guidance is shown here only to make the process easier to understand.
Partners this month
4
Meals submitted
655
Sites supported
1
Who's Donating Meals
Restaurants, hotels, caterers, and food businesses helping redirect good food to communities.
Downtown Hospitality Group
Downtown Hospitality Group
Supporting neighborhood meal access with prepared meals.
Partner Restaurant Group
Partner Restaurant Group
Chef Collective NYC
Chef Collective NYC
Partner chefs and kitchens donating weekly.
Community Hospitality Collective
Community Hospitality Collective
Harborview Hotel Kitchens
Harborview Hotel Kitchens
Hotel culinary teams redirecting prepared meals.
Neighborhood Caterers
Neighborhood Caterers
Hotel Culinary Alliance
Hotel Culinary Alliance
Chat to Submit a Meal Donation
Use the guided chat flow on mobile or desktop, including direct camera uploads from your phone.
Chat Intake
Step 1 of 4
Hi, I can take your meal donation in about 2 minutes. First: who is donating?
Hi, I can take your meal donation in about 2 minutes. First: who is donating?
Check Donation Status
Use the secure email link from your submission confirmation to view status and download your acknowledgment when approved.
FAQ
How long does review take?
Most submissions are reviewed by staff within one to two business days.
Will I get a receipt?
Yes. Approved donations receive an acknowledgment PDF by email.
How is FMV handled?
FMV is donor-reported and clearly labeled as donor responsibility.
Can we donate again?
Yes. Repeat donations can prefill common fields to move faster.