Dignity Health Partners with Replate to Tackle Climate Change by Ensuring Excess Food Goes to Feeding Programs, Not Landfills

Central Coast, February 27, 2024 —Dignity Health announced a new partnership with Replate, a leading food recovery organization in an effort to combat climate change while helping those in our communities who don’t have enough to eat. 

Food waste has emerged as a pressing global challenge, particularly in its association with global warming. In fact, according to the United Nations, it ranks as the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gasses worldwide. 

This effort is in compliance with California Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383), which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as methane, and address food insecurity throughout the state. Dignity Health California hospitals, which are members of CommonSpirit Health, and Replate will launch a food recovery initiative beginning January 1, 2024 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 in this program and have partnered with Central Coast Rescue Mission. The Central Coast Rescue Mission works to provide food, shelter and clothing to those in need in our local communities. 

“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," added 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. 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,” shares Julie Sprengel, President, CommonSpirit Health’s California Region. “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.”

In February 2023, two Dignity Health hospitals in the San Francisco area implemented a pilot program with Replate. In those nine months, the results are impressive and inspiring with 5,526 pounds of food rescued, 11,328 pounds of CO2 diverted, 1,512,965 gallons of water saved and more than 4,600 meals provided to Bay area organizations serving those most in need. These figures represent, not only a reduction in waste, but a tangible contribution to a healthier environment and support for those facing food insecurities. 

"We're excited to partner with Dignity Health to reduce food waste and contribute to community well-being,” states Maen Mahfoud, CEO at Replate. “Health care, our environment, and nutrition security are all connected. With this type of collaboration, we can create system change and make the impossible possible."

Replate will use its technology platform to identify and recover surplus food from Dignity Health facilities, ensuring compliance with SB 1383. This partnership exemplifies a shared commitment to social responsibility and environmental sustainability, demonstrating how collaboration can drive positive change.

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About Dignity Health Central Coast 

Dignity Health Central Coast is comprised of three award-winning hospitals, all recognized for their quality of care, safety and service, primary care offices, premier ambulatory surgery centers, technologically advanced imaging centers, outpatient services, and comprehensive home health services. Hospitals in the Dignity Health Central Coast market include Arroyo Grande Community Hospital, French Hospital Medical Center in San Luis Obispo, and Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria. Each hospital is supported by an active philanthropic Foundation to provide additional funding to support new programs and services, as well as to advance the community’s access to health care.  For more information, visit dignityhealth.org/centralcoast.

About CommonSpirit Health

CommonSpirit Health is a nonprofit, Catholic health system dedicated to advancing health for all people. It was created in February 2019 by Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health. With its national office in Chicago and a team of over 150,000 employees and 25,000 physicians and advanced practice clinicians, CommonSpirit operates 142 hospitals and nearly 2,200 care sites across 24 states. In FY 2023, CommonSpirit had revenues of $34.6 billion and provided $5 billion in charity care, community benefit, and unreimbursed government programs. Learn more at www.commonspirit.org.

About Replate

Replate is a mission-driven technology company connecting businesses with surplus food to communities in need, addressing hunger, and promoting environmental sustainability. Learn more at https://www.replate.org/.