A Oahu-based food rescue nonprofit — forming now
No good food should go to waste.
No neighbor should go without.
We connect Oahu restaurants, stores, and shops with the community to rescue surplus food before it hits the dumpster — with the liability paperwork handled, a tax benefit for the business, and public recognition as a community pillar.
Why we exist
Perfectly good food gets thrown away every single night.
Restaurants, food trucks, and convenience stores across Oahu throw out unsold food at closing — not because it's bad, but because liability, not waste, is the real barrier. Business owners want to give it away. Most don't, because they're worried about what happens if someone gets sick, and they don't have time to sort out the legal or tax side of it.
Oahu Ohana Collective removes that barrier. We handle the release of liability, the donation paperwork, and the pickup logistics — so businesses can do the right thing without taking on the risk.
The good news
- Federal law (the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act) already protects businesses that donate food in good faith.
- Our digital release of liability adds a clear, signed layer of protection specific to each donation.
- Donated food can qualify for a tax deduction — consult your tax professional for your specific situation.
- Every partner is featured publicly as part of our Community Pillars — free visibility for doing good.
The model
How It Works
Three ways to take part — pick whichever fits you.
Businesses & Restaurants
Sign a simple digital release of liability. Set a schedule for surplus food — end-of-day pickup by us, or a set window for customers to pick up directly. Get a donation receipt and free promotion as a Community Pillar.
Pickup Volunteers
Claim a pickup route on the days that work for you. Collect surplus food from partner businesses at closing and deliver it to distribution points or families who need it.
Community Donors
Drop off canned goods and other shelf-stable items at collection points — including supplies for disaster relief. Receive a donation receipt for your contribution.
For business owners
You have more to gain than to lose.
Food that's already going in the dumpster costs you nothing extra to give away — and through Oahu Ohana Collective, it can actually work in your favor:
- Liability protection. A short, digital release of liability agreement, signed once, before every scheduled donation.
- Tax benefit. A donation receipt for the value of the food, to use toward your business's tax filing.
- Community Pillar recognition. Your business listed on our Community Pillars page, tagged in our social posts, and named as a partner who feeds Oahu — free advertising that shows customers you care.
- Zero extra work. Choose whether we pick up at closing, or customers pick up in a set window. You decide the days and times.
Community Pillars
Our Founding Partners
We're building this list starting now — your business could be one of the first.
Join us
Get Involved
Volunteer
Run a pickup route, help sort donations, or support distribution days. A few hours a week makes a real difference.
Sign up to volunteer →Donate Goods
Bring canned goods, shelf-stable food, and disaster-relief supplies to a collection point. Every donor gets a receipt.
Find a drop-off →Refer a Business
Know a restaurant, café, or store that throws out food at closing? Point them our way — we'll take it from there.
Refer a partner →Give directly
Donate to Oahu Ohana Collective
Every dollar helps us cover pickup logistics collection-point supplies and disaster-relief stock that businesses alone can't provide. Once our 501(c)(3) status is confirmed every gift will be tax-deductible and you'll receive a receipt automatically by email.
STATUS: online giving not yet open
Choose an amount
Preview of the giving form coming soon. Nothing is charged today.
Tax-deductible once nonprofit status is finalized. Payment processing to be added with a licensed nonprofit payment provider.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this actually legal for a business to do?
Yes. The federal Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act already protects businesses that donate food in good faith from liability, as long as the donation isn't made with gross negligence or intentional misconduct. Our digital release of liability adds a clear, documented layer on top of that for every donation.
What if someone gets sick from donated food?
Good-faith food donations made through a proper agreement are protected under existing federal and Hawaii Good Samaritan food donation law. Our release of liability and simple food-safety guidelines are designed to keep both the business and the recipient covered.
How does the tax write-off work?
Businesses that donate food may be eligible for a tax deduction based on the value of the donated goods. We provide a donation receipt for every pickup. We're not tax advisors — please confirm specifics with your accountant. Full tax-deductible receipts begin once our 501(c)(3) status is finalized.
What can community members donate?
Canned goods and other shelf-stable items are always needed, including supplies useful for disaster relief (water, first aid basics, hygiene items). Check our drop-off points for the current wish list.
Is Oahu Ohana Collective a registered nonprofit yet?
We're actively completing our 501(c)(3) formation. You can get involved as a founding partner, volunteer, or donor right now — official tax-deductible receipts will be issued once our nonprofit status is confirmed.
How do I sign up my restaurant or store?
Reach out through the contact section below with your business name and neighborhood. We'll walk you through the digital release of liability and set up a pickup schedule that works for you.
Let's talk story
Ready to get involved?
Whether you run a restaurant, want to volunteer, or just want to donate a few cans — tell us a bit about yourself and we'll follow up.
- Email: hello@oahuohanacollective.org
- Based in: Honolulu, Oahu