Safe Food Donations
General Guidelines
We greatly appreciate all donations that contribute to supporting our community. To ensure food safety and quality, certain items are considered safe and acceptable for donation. Below, we've outlined categories of food that are suitable for donation and why they meet our standards.
Perishable and Non-Perishable Items
Perishable and non-perishable items close to or past their best-before dates are acceptable under specific conditions. These items must be handled and stored correctly to prevent spoilage or contamination:
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Perishable foods near the best-before date (must be properly stored)
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Non-perishable items past the best-before date (as long as they remain unopened and safe)
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Incorrectly weighed or measured foods that cannot be resold
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Incorrectly labeled foods, as long as the ingredient list can be provided
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Damaged or imperfect items, bulk ends, and unopened non-perishable product returns or shipping errors
Dairy, Eggs, and Juices
Dairy and egg products are safe for donation if they meet certain standards for storage and pasteurization. Proper labeling is essential to ensure safety:
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Pasteurized milk, juice, and honey
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Dairy products made from pasteurized milk
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Graded eggs
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Pasteurized liquid, frozen, and dry eggs, and egg products
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Dairy products stored at 4°C or below (see Milk Act RSO 1990)
Meat, Poultry, and Fish
Animal products must be inspected and approved for sale to ensure they are safe for consumption. The following items meet those standards:
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Inspected poultry, beef, pork, lamb, goat, and internal organs
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Commercially and legally caught or harvested fish that are approved for sale
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Frozen fish from a supplier that properly freezes the product
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Commercially and legally harvested and properly labeled shellfish
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Canned food products from licensed food processors
Dry Goods and Baked Goods
Shelf-stable items like dry goods and commercially baked products are safe donations, as long as they remain unopened and show no signs of spoilage:
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Dry goods in unopened packages
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Commercially baked products with no signs of spoilage
Canned Foods
Canned goods are generally safe for donation, even if slightly dented. As long as cans are not swollen, leaking, or showing other signs of compromise, they are safe for consumption:
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Slightly dented cans are acceptable as long as the contents are safe and the can remains intact.
By following these guidelines, we can ensure that all donated food is safe, high-quality, and suitable for distribution. Your contributions make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve, and adhering to these standards helps us maintain the health and well-being of our community. Thank you for your ongoing support!
