How to donate food

Food banks and hunger relief agencies maintain well-defined protocols for ensuring the safe and efficient collection and distribution of donated food. Donation is safe, simple and the right thing to do. Here's how.

Step 1: Identify items suitable for donation

Many perishable and non-perishable foods prepared but not served or sold are accepted for donation. Both large and small servings are welcome.

• bulk food items
• canned and packaged items
• commercially baked goods
• dairy products and eggs
• dessert and sweets
• fresh produce
• frozen goods
• leftover menu entrees and prepared items
• meats (USDA-inspected).

Step 2: Examine the food you want to donate

Inspect items carefully when preparing them for donation.

• Has the food been handled appropriately to ensure that it is safe and wholesome?
• Is the food item packaging or seal unbroken?
• Does frozen food look as if it has been thawed or refrozen?
• Has anything leaked onto the food from another container?
• Is the food at the correct temperature?

Step 3: Contact a food rescue agency to arrange donation

A number of organizations throughout the region collect items for donation. Food banks and hunger relief agencies maintain well-defined protocols for ensuring the safe and efficient collection and distribution of donated food. Nearly all of the organizations listed in this guide accept deliveries. Many can arrange to pick up donations on an on-call basis or on a regular pre-arranged schedule. Always call ahead to confirm hours of operation and ensure that the organization can accept the materials you wish to donate. Some organizations will provide donor businesses with containers for food pick up and replace the containers with new, clean containers after each use.
Use the online form to find a food rescue agency near you or sign up for free help and let the Fork It Over! program do the work for you.
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