When most of us donate to a food bank, we’re simply trying to help. We grab a few extra cans at the grocery store or clean out the pantry and assume everything will be put to good use.
But food banks have to follow strict food safety rules, and not every donation can be accepted. In fact, some well-meaning donations end up creating more work for volunteers or being thrown away altogether.
If you want your donation to make the biggest difference, it’s worth knowing which foods are usually off-limits. Policies vary from one organization to another, but these are some of the foods food banks often can’t accept.
Expired Food
It can be tempting to donate canned goods or boxed foods that are just past their “best by” date, especially if they still look perfectly fine. However, many food banks have strict policies about distributing expired food and simply can’t place those items in someone’s food box.
Before donating, take a minute to check the dates on everything you’re planning to give. Fresh, in-date items are much more likely to reach a family quickly.
Related: 5 Things Your Grocery Store Does With Expired Food (It’s Not What You Think)
Food in Damaged Packaging
A can with a deep dent, a torn box, a broken seal, or a bulging lid may not seem like a big deal, but these are all signs that food could be unsafe to eat.
Because volunteers can’t know whether the contents have been compromised, most food banks won’t risk distributing damaged products. Donating unopened food in its original, undamaged packaging is always the safest choice.
Homemade Meals
That extra pot of soup or homemade casserole might come from a place of generosity, but most food banks can’t accept food prepared in home kitchens.
Without knowing exactly how the food was prepared, stored, or transported, they can’t guarantee it’s safe for the people they’ll be serving.
Homemade Baked Goods
Fresh cookies, muffins, cakes, and banana bread are thoughtful gifts, but they usually aren’t accepted for the same reason as homemade meals.
Food banks typically distribute commercially packaged foods because ingredients, allergens, and food safety standards can be verified. If you’re hoping to donate baked goods, check with local shelters or community organizations first, as their policies may differ.
Perishable Foods That Need Refrigeration
Not every food bank has enough refrigerator or freezer space to store highly perishable foods. Items like milk, yogurt, soft cheeses, or raw meat often require special handling that smaller organizations simply can’t provide.
Some larger food banks do accept refrigerated donations, but it’s always best to call ahead before bringing them in.
Related: 12 Everyday Foods to Stop Storing in the Fridge
Opened Food Packages
Even if there’s plenty left in the package, once a bag, box, or container has been opened, it’s almost always unsuitable for donation.
Food banks can only distribute food they know hasn’t been tampered with, so unopened products are the standard.
Home-Canned Foods
Homemade jams, pickles, canned vegetables, and sauces may be delicious, but most food banks can’t accept them.
Because there’s no way to verify that proper canning procedures were followed, these items can present a food safety risk. Commercially canned products are almost always preferred.
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages generally aren’t accepted by food banks. Many organizations have policies that prohibit distributing alcohol, regardless of whether the container is unopened.
If you’re unsure whether another specialty food item is accepted, it’s always a good idea to check with your local food bank before making the trip.
