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No, however, we collaborate with area food banks in the overall food recovery efforts of the Greater Omaha area. There are two major differences between Saving Grace and a food bank: 1) We do not warehouse food. We deliver food the same day it is collected to diverse local agencies that feed the hungry. 2) We recover perishable food, such as dairy, produce, meats, prepared food that is still good but not sellable – from restaurants, caterers cafeterias  grocers, delis, and food vendors. We then match your donated food to the recipient agency that can best utilize your donation and deliver that same day.

No, we have no program fees.

Not as a rule. If you hold a catered event, however, we can possibly make arrangements with your caterer for recovery of surplus food.

None. Donors are protected by the BILL EMERSON GOOD SAMARITAN ACT (Federal Legislation) Public Law 104-210-Oct. 1, 1996. that exempts Saving Grace food donors from potential liability or damages related to the donation of perishable foods. View PDF link here.

No.  Food that has been served, or placed on a buffet, is not eligible for pick-up due to health regulations. Excess food must have been properly maintained (refrigerated) and held in the kitchen without being served in order to qualify for pick up. Please ask for smaller buffet trays that can be set out as needed. This will ensure more of your excess food can be rescued and shared with those who would benefit.

No. Our trucks begin running as early as 6:30 a.m., Monday through Friday; we may offer Saturday pick up on special request. As we do not warehouse food, it is impossible for us to pick up and deliver to our agencies during evening hours.

No. We do not warehouse food. Our trucks pick up food and drop it off to our recipient agencies the same day. We have no storage facilities.

Yes. Please call us and we will refer you to a recipient agency in your area that would use and appreciate your donation.

No. We deliver only to 501 (c) (3) agencies that are serving our neighbors in need.

Please refer to the Who We Serve page for full details or Contact Us.

Our service area primarily targets Omaha’s eastern corridor. We will enlarge this service area as food donations grow and we are able to secure an additional truck and driver. For pick-ups outside our service area, we will make every effort to coordinate a pick up for you, or we will direct you to a facility near you that would welcome and appreciate the donation of your excess food.

As our or direct food donations grow, we will add additional trucks to expand our free food rescue and delivery service to more organizations throughout the Greater Omaha area.

(Federal Legislation) Public Law 104-210-Oct. 1, 1996

An act of Congress that encourages the donation of food and grocery products to non-profit organizations for distribution to needy individuals, backed by the full force and effect of law.

The Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act (the “Emerson Act”) provides protection for food and grocery products that meet all quality and labelling standards imposed by Federal, State and local laws and regulations even though the food or product may not be “readily marketable due to appearance, age, freshness, grade, size, surplus or other conditions.”

Food may include any “raw, cooked processed or prepared edible substance, ice, beverage or ingredient” used or intended for use by humans. Grocery products can include non-food products, including “disposable paper or plastic products, household cleaning products, laundry detergent, cleaning products or miscellaneous household items.” There are also provisions to deal with food and products that do not meet quality and labelling requirements of Federal, State and Local laws. The National law has received widespread bi-partisan in the Senate and the House of Representatives. Both legislative bodies passed the bill by unanimous consent. Furthermore, the Emerson Act moves the Good Samaritan Law from the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to the Childhood Nutrition Act of 1996.

The national legislation protects food donors, including individuals, and non-profit feeding programs who act in good faith. While exceptions are noted for gross negligence, the law states that these groups will not be subject to civil or criminal liability arising from the “nature, age, packaging or condition of apparently wholesome food or an apparently fit grocery product…”

The national legislation replaces all state laws, including those in the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and all U.S. territories and possessions. Under the National law, food donors need only seek protection under one law. This should save significant time and resources on the donor’s behalf and simplify the entire donation process.

The Emerson Act has actually existed as a model for state laws since 1990 when it was placed in the National and Community Service Act of 1990, although it did not carry Bill Emerson’s name until 1996. While state laws have never been tested in courts, and food-rescue programs have worked hard to prevent even a single case of food-borne illness, the national law is broader and simpler to apply.

View the full PDF here.