It is estimated that nearly 16 billion pounds of wholesome food is discarded from retail grocery stores in the United States every year. Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin develops partnerships with national, regional, and local retailers to ensure food gets to families and individuals facing hunger before it reaches a point where it must be discarded. We work closely with store managers and receiving teams to sort food that is no longer shelf-worthy, but is still wholesome. The food is then delivered by our fleet, or picked up by our pantry partners, and is then rapidly distributed to the community.
There are many benefits to donating food before discarding it:
- Reduction of costs associated with storage, transportation and disposal
- Waste minimization and improved sustainability
- Receipts for potential tax deductions
- Supporting the food-insecure members of your local community
Our Commitment to Food Safety:
We are food professionals, and we adhere to strict food safety handling procedures among our staff, our fleet, and our facilities. We are regularly inspected by AIB International, Feeding America, the State Department of Health, and the County Health Department. We are also under the jurisdiction of the USDA, FDA, and Wisconsin Department of Agriculture.
You’re Protected:
The Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Donations Act is a federal law ensuring that donors are protected from any civil and criminal liability, as long as the product is donated in good faith. Learn more about the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Act HERE.
Many donations of product also are eligible for an enhanced tax deduction under IRS 170(C)(3). Please consult your tax advisor for details.
Becoming a Donor:
Retailers who would like to donate excess food should email our Food Resources Team at [email protected] to discuss setting up a partnership.
Or you can fill out our Food Donation Form HERE to make a donation.
