Food Donation & Food Safety

Food Safety should be a priority before donating any and all food

For Nonperishable Items:

• Donations should be “apparently wholesome” or “an apparently fit grocery product”

This Means

• Donations should be unopened and without noticeable holes (dented is okay)
• You may not donate portions of nonperishables that have gone unused (ex: a half-used box of rice)
• Make sure items are within date and have not expired
• Items must have readable labels with ingredient information

For Perishable Food:

• Perishable food or meals made may be donated to a facility serving hot meals if the food has not already “been put out for service” (i.e. buffet style)
  • Contact the organization or charity you wish to donate to first for specific needs and meal size
• Food must be prepared in a permitted facility and preparations should always follow food safety guidelines
  • Any questions regarding food safety should be directed to the Broome County Health Department

• Other food safety resources
  • https://www.gobroomecounty.com/eh/food
  • https://www.fda.gov/food/fda-food-code/food-code-2017

Donors are protected from litigation through the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Act and NY State law.

Businesses can apply for a federal  and NY State tax deduction for donations made from their inventory.