Welcome to Food Finders.
Food Finders is a multi-regional food bank and food rescue program headquartered in Lakewood, CA. We pick up donated food from hundreds of local grocery stores, bakeries, restaurants and produce markets and distribute it directly to missions, shelters and social service agencies that feed the needy and impoverished.
Our volunteers and staff drivers pick up and deliver on a same-day basis. On average, Food Finders helps provide enough food for 22,000 meals a day, reducing the amount of food insecurity and food waste prevalent throughout Southern California where we serve.
Our Mission
To eliminate hunger and food waste, while improving nutrition in food insecure communities.
Vision
We are committed to serving our donors, volunteers and recipient agencies with integrity, resourcefulness and respect. We strive to contribute positively to our communities and the environment on a daily basis.
Then & Now
In 1989 Founder Arlene Mercer expressed concerned about the amount of perishable and prepared food being thrown away by local businesses. Inspired to end the waste, she began linking donated food from restaurants, grocers and produce marts to shelters and pantries in order to feed disadvantaged people in our communities.
Food Finders grew from a grassroots organization to its current staff of 13, with hundreds of volunteers and food donors helping reduce hunger and food waste. By 2018, the nonprofit had distributed more than 18 million meals worth of food to nonprofits across several Southern California counties. We continue to grow and expand as we engage new food donors, new volunteers and new nonprofit partners to receive the food.