Jim Larson

Vice President, Development - Food Service @Food Donation Connection

US

Jim Larson directs development of food donation programs for Food Donation Connection (FDC), LLC. Food Donation Connection fulfills its mission to Let Nothing Be Wasted by coordinating annual donations of over 80 million pounds of surplus prepared food. FDC focuses on daily program execution and tax savings for donors, redirecting wholesome perishable food from restaurants, college campuses, grocers, airports and hospitals, to non-profits serving needy individuals.Since joining FDC in 1998, Jim has been instrumental in the growth of FDC’s Harvest Program. He implemented programs for YUM! Brands, Darden, Chipotle Mexican Grill, McDonald\'s and other donors to establish global food donation programs.For over 10 years Jim shared food donation rationale and statistics with the US Congress which ultimately resulted in permanent food donation tax incentives for small business (non-C corps.) via Public Law No. 114-113 (H.R.2029 - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016). This modified Section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow all companies to take an enhanced tax deduction for donating selected surplus property, including food. Jim spoke to members of the UK Parliament and Defra about Good Samaritan liability protection and financial incentives for donating surplus food.Jim presents at National Restaurant Association (NRA) Shows, Board of Directors Meeting, Financial Officers and Tax Executives, Quality Assurance Exec Study Groups, and Webinars.Jim shares with people from around the world about the Prepared Food Donation Process and Factors for Success, including the Global Foodbanking Network’s Food Bank Leadership Institute. Jim participates in EPA and USDA Food Donation webinars to support the Food Recovery Challenge.A graduate of the University of Illinois and a native of Deerfield, Illinois, Jim currently resides in Knoxville, Tennessee.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

BSME, Mechanical Engineering