Purpose – The main objective of this paper is to describe the use of Food Waste Hierarchy and to identify critical factors for improving surplus food redistribution in food manufacturing companies. Design/methodology/approach – In this research, multiple case study methodology is used. Questionnaires for semi structured interviews are prepared based on an extensive literature review and adapted after expert opinions. The interviews are conducted mostly with the supply chain and logistics managers of food manufacturing companies operating in northern Italy. Originality/value – Although many studies focus on quantification of food losses and many others in food insecurity in developed countries, surplus food redistribution for social purposes, which is considered as a possible answer to reach food security by reducing food losses, hasn’t been studied thoroughly. Practical implications – This paper studies surplus food management in food manufacturing companies aiming to help firms improving current practices, to help nonprofit organizations to collect and distribute a greater amount of food and to provide input to policy makers for innovation of current policies related to surplus food redistribution to reduce food insecurity in their community.