Dignity Health has announced a partnership with Replate, a food recovery organization, in an effort to combat climate change while helping communities members who don’t have enough to eat.

Dignity Health California hospitals, which are members of CommonSpirit Health, and Replate started a food recovery initiative on Jan. 1 to redirect surplus food from Dignity Health hospitals to local community organizations. 
 
Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria and French Hospital Medical Center in San Luis Obispo are participating and have partnered with Central Coast Rescue Mission. The Rescue Mission works to provide food, shelter and clothing to those in need in the community.
 
“By donating our surplus food to the Central Coast Rescue Mission, we are not only reducing waste, but also making a positive impact on the lives of those in need,” said Sue Andersen, president.CEO of Marian Regional Medical Center.
 
“Together, we can create a more compassionate and sustainable community,” said Patrick Caster, president/CEO of French Hospital.
 
“It’s important that we help mitigate climate change, and if we can do that while simultaneously addressing food insecurities, it’s a win-win,” said Julie Sprengel, president of CommonSpirit Health’s California Region.

“As a health care organization, we are well aware of the impact the environment can have on our communities, from things like increased risk of cardiovascular disease, COPD and asthma,” she said.

“This partnership is not merely a collaboration, it embodies our pledge to make our world healthier both within our hospitals and throughout the communities we serve,” Sprengel said.

The new program is in compliance with California Senate Bill 1383, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as methane, and address food insecurity statewide.

In February 2023, two Dignity Health hospitals in the San Francisco area implemented a pilot program with Replate. In those nine months, 5,526 pounds of food were rescued, 11,328 pounds of CO2 diverted, 1,512,965 gallons of water saved, and some 4,600 meals provided to Bay Area organizations serving those most in need.
 
Replate will use its technology platform to identify and recover surplus food from Dignity Health facilities.