Help others, reduce food waste. Donate!
When you donate food, it goes to people who need it—not the landfill.
Give back to your community
- Find an emergency food organization near you
- Put together items you want to donate. Even a few things go a long way.
- Establish a regular drop off schedule and ask the pantry what food items clients need most.
- Volunteer!
- Launch a food drive where you work or live.
Food donation basics
Do donate:
- Fresh produce: both home-grown and purchased.
- Foods prepared by licensed food establishments or in donor kitchens.
- Shelf-stable foods.
- Foods from licensed processors.
- Check with your local food pantry for more specifics.
Don't donate:
- Foods with safety concerns.
- Foods in soiled, torn, open, or rusted containers.
- Home-prepared foods (except baked goods).
- Foods with an “off” odor.
- Perishable foods past a “Use By” date, unless frozen.
Donate food in your community
Use Washington 211 to contact an emergency food organization near you.
