FOOD RUNNERS

Welcome to ExtraFood!

We're excited to share that Food Runners is now an ExtraFood program. Together, we're strengthening food recovery efforts in the Bay Area to fight hunger, reduce food waste, and serve our community even better.

Food Runners was founded in 1987 by Mary Risley, the godmother of food recovery, with a simple idea: donate food from those who have too much to those who have too little. In fact, ExtraFood came to be in 2013 with Food Runners as a model for food recovery. When Mary decided to retire, she knew the right partner to assume operations effectively and seamlessly was ExtraFood.

"As I retire from my role as the founder of the Food Runners organization, I am filled with pride for all that we have accomplished in San Francisco. I am also thrilled to pass the torch to our colleagues at ExtraFood, knowing that they will continue our mission of rescuing food and reducing waste with the same passion and dedication that has driven us for so many years."

-Mary Risley

Founder, Food Runners

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What This Means for You

  • Same Mission, Bigger Impact: ExtraFood continues the Food Runners legacy of rescuing surplus food and delivering it to those in need.
  • Expanded Reach: As a unified organization, we’re increasing our ability to serve communities across San Francisco, Marin, and Sonoma counties.
  • Seamless Transition: All Food Runners programs, partners, and volunteer opportunities will continue under ExtraFood's guidance.



Photo credit: September Days Photography

Photo credit: September Days Photography

"Please know that because of Food Runners, we have managed to feed our students each week with healthy foods, some treats, lots of toast and innovative creations from the donations. I CAN NOT thank you enough for you and your team's efforts. It makes the biggest difference to be able to offer food to a population of students who may or may not have a healthy meal or snack during their school day. Please know how much Downtown High Wellness Center appreciates you, your staff and the Food Runners mission."

~ Jodi Tsapis, LCSW, PPSC

Wellness Coordinator
Downtown High School