Become A Minimal Waste Food Business in North Carolina
"Save Money and Protect the Environment"
Cut costs, boost customer loyalty & outperform competitors with our Circanomics Foodservice Sustainability Standard. Qualify for over $50,000 of tax deductions by implementing the CFSSS, improve your customers' experience, protect North Carolina's environment and support your local community.
Did you know your business can claim a federal tax deduction of up to $50,000 for donating surplus food to local organizations throughout North Carolina? The enhanced federal deduction under IRC §170(e)(3) allows you to write off the full market value of your donations, plus an additional 50% of the appreciated cost.
This powerful tax incentive makes donating food a win-win for your business and our community. By partnering with local food banks and nonprofits, you can reduce food waste, support those in need, and unlock significant tax savings. Also, qualify for up to $7,500 in tax deduction on the state level.
Key benefits of the enhanced food donation deduction:
Deduct the full fair market value of donated food, plus 50% of appreciation.
$50,000 annual federal tax cap per trade or business.
Protects you from liability under the Good Samaritan Act and Bill Emerson Act.
Helps meet sustainability goals and boost your social impact.
Claim your $50,000 in potential tax savings today by donating surplus food. CFSSS can connect you with vetted donation partners throughout NC and provide the documentation you need to maximize your deductions.
Regulators, consumers, and supply chains are demanding sustainability—and delay is costing you money. The foodservice industry faces unprecedented pressure to adapt or risk falling behind.
78%
NC diners prefer sustainable restaurants and will pay more for eco-friendly options
$20K+
Average annual savings when restaurants implement proper food waste management systems
$50K+
Combined federal and state tax deduction for donating your leftover prepared food to a local nonprofit to qualify.
Start today with our Free Tier and scale as you profit. Every day of delay means money left on the table.
Boost Local Impact: Partner with Sustainable Heroes
CFSSS members supercharge their sustainability by supporting local North Carolina based changemakers. Receive up to a 10% discount on composting services as an Elite Member. Here’s how your business can multiply its impact and contribute to a thriving local circular economy:
Swap single-use soap bottles for refillable, toxin-free alternatives. Cut waste 90% while backing women-owned innovation. Their circular system, based in Durham, saves plastic and supports ethical production.
Turn food scraps into community gold. Their pickup service channels your waste to urban farms, diverting over 8,000 lbs/year per partner. Transform waste into nutrient-rich soil and support local agriculture.
Every dollar spent with these partners circulates 3X further in the North Carolina economy versus traditional chains (Source: Civic Economics). Tier 2+ members unlock exclusive discounts with these vital local partners. Start your ripple effect today!
Proudly part of the Circanomics Foodservice Sustainability Standard, because regeneration starts in North Carolina.
The 4-Pillar Circanomics Advantage
Our comprehensive framework transforms traditional foodservice operations in North Carolina into sustainable, profitable enterprises through four interconnected pillars:
Protect People
Enhance staff retention, reduce turnover costs, and build stronger teams through equitable practices and sustainable workplace environments.
Strengthen Community
Forge lucrative local partnerships, boost brand loyalty, and create resilient supply networks that weather disruptions.
Grow Finances
Cut food costs by 15-30% with AI waste tracking, access tax incentives, and attract sustainability-focused investors.
Regenerate Environment
Reduce carbon footprint, eliminate compliance risks, and position your business ahead of inevitable environmental regulations.
Certification Tiers Designed for Every Business Stage
Choose the level that matches your sustainability journey and business goals. Start free and upgrade as you see results. 10% of all membership fees go towards supporting non-profits of your choice in North Carolina by using the Circa Token.
1
Free Plan
Begin your sustainability journey with foundational tools:
Comprehensive food waste audit toolkit
Local supplier mapping resources
Listing on Circa Directory of NC Sustainable Businesses & Farmers
Integration in the Circa Rewards Program
2
Silver Membership - $149/month
includes free plan benefits
Accelerate your sustainability transformation:
Regulatory compliance templates
Bi-annual Social Media and Website Audit
Monthly Q&A webinar access
Employee and Management Training Materials
150 Circa Tokens per month to support a local nonprofit of your choice
3
Gold Membership - $349/month
includes silver membership benefits
Maximize operational efficiency and marketing power:
Community co-marketing opportunities
Access to compostable packaging network
Quarterly Social Media and Website Audit
Tax Record Keeping for Deduction
Grant Searches for Loans and Grants
5% Discount on Composting Services
Audit-ready logs for IRS, FTC Green Guides, and comprehensive ESG disclosures
Onboard up to 20 employees
350 Circa Tokens per month to support a local nonprofit of your choice
4
Platinum Membership - $449/month
includes gold membership benefits
Comprehensive support for industry leaders:
Monthly $50,000 Tax Deduction Optimization Review with a CPA
Monthly Plastic Waste Audit to save money
Monthly Paper Waste Audit to save money
Monthly Chemical Waste Audit to reduce waste
Monthly Recycling Audit to reduce waste
Monthly Food Waste Audit
Additional State Level Tax Deduction Optimization
Monthly social media, marketing and website audit to increase brand visibility
Premium Listing in Circa Directory
Grant Writing for Loans and Grants
Additional 5% Discount on Composting Service
Onboard up to 50 employees
500 Circa Tokens per month to support a local nonprofit of your choice