Food Donation —Let’s Get Started.
Food donation can help your business comply with the Massachusetts Commercial Food Material Disposal Ban while reducing disposal costs and supporting people in need.
Who Can Donate?
Events
Farms
K-12 Schools
Supermarkets
Universities
Wholesalers
Events
K-12 Schools
Supermarkets
Universities
Wholesalers
Understanding Food Donation
Why donate surplus edible food?
Every day, businesses across Massachusetts discard thousands of pounds of edible food that could otherwise feed people facing food insecurity. By donating surplus food and diverting it from the waste stream, businesses can not only help food insecure members of their community but also qualify for tax incentives.
Taking action to donate edible surplus food is a proven strategy to effectively reduce wasted food. Additionally, this practice helps businesses comply with Massachusetts’ Commercial Food Material Disposal Ban.
Throwing away food also means throwing away potential savings. To explore how this works, view our Throwing Away Food & Money resource.
EPA Wasted Food Scale
The US EPA’s Wasted Food Scale highlights feeding people as one of the most effective strategies to reduce wasted food. Businesses should consider how they can strengthen their wasted food prevention and management plans by utilizing the scale’s different pathways.
Breaking Down Barriers to Food Donation
Businesses that donate safe, edible food are protected under the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act, originally signed into law in 1996 and updated in 2023. This federal law protects food donors from liability when donations are made in good faith.
Learn more in the Federal Liability Protection for Food Donation Legal Fact Sheet from the Harvard Food Law and Policy Clinic.
That may be true most days, but RecyclingWorks recommends establishing a relationship with a local Food Donation Organization to learn what can be donated. This helps you stay prepared in case donatable food becomes available—such as:
· Food from a canceled event
· Items not selling due to unforeseen circumstances
Take a second look at your surplus food—some of it may be suitable for donation.
Check out our Food Donation Giving Guide for what perishable/non-perishable foods can be donated, and our Prepared Food Guidelines for food donation.
Donating food is easier than you think. In general, food service businesses already follow the necessary safety practices to safely donate food.
Here’s how to get started:
1. Partner with a local food donation organization to identify what excess food you generate and what they can accept
2. Follow local health regulations when preparing hot or cold holding food
3. Package food safely in clean, food-grade containers
4. Label with ingredients and allergens
5. Store food at temperature properly until pickup
Download this as a flyer
Start by asking why the policy exists. If liability or regulations are mentioned, point to food donation protections under the law.
For additional help navigating concerns with food donation:
Call the RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts Hotline at 1-888-254-5525 or email info@recyclingworksma.com
Every business process takes time—but once food donation practices are in place, they become routine.
Your partnered food donation organization will be a great resource to help streamline the donation process.
For additional assistance in creating an efficient food recovery program, contact:
RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts at 1-888-254-5525 Or email info@recyclingworksma.com
Transportation depends on your arrangement with your partnered food organization.
Picking-up donated food may involve:
· Volunteers using personal vehicles, Agency staff with refrigerated trucks or a combination
Common options:
· Direct delivery: Pickup from the donor and delivery to the recipient in one route
· Hub model: Food is picked up from the donor and brought to a central location for repacking for, distribution, or pick-up
· Self-transport to local non-profit or food pantry
Donated food transport tips:
· Understand temperature requirements for non-perishable, hot, and cold foods.
· Use coolers or heating blankets to maintain safe temperatures.
· Follow good hygiene and safety practices.
· Keep records of all donated and transported food.
Yes, there may be modest costs involved for:
· Packaging materials
· Labeling
· Storage and refrigeration
· Labor to continue to follow time and temperature safety protocols for the food as it is being salvaged and packaged for donation.
However, food donation can bring real benefits, including:
· Lower waste disposal costs
· Possible tax deductions
· Positive community impact and public goodwill for utilizing surplus edible food
Start or Strengthen Your Food Donation Program
Steps for Establishing a Food Donation Process
Building a Donation Program
Laws and Liability Protection
Tax Incentives
Date Labeling
Ingredient & Allergen Labeling
Food That Can Be Donated
Finding Partner Food Rescue Organizations
Building Relationships with Partner Food Rescue Organizations
Steps for Establishing a Food Donation Process
Building a Donation Program
Laws and Liability Protection
Tax Incentives
Date Labeling
Ingredient & Allergen Labeling
Food That Can Be Donated
Finding Partner Food Rescue Organizations
Building Relationships with Partner Food Rescue Organizations
The RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts program has worked with state and local health officials, food rescue organizations, food banks, and organizations with established food donation programs to develop this Food Donation guidance document. This webpage was originally created in 2015 following three stakeholder meetings and has been updated over time with new information.
This information is not intended to supersede guidance from your local health department, corporate policy, or contractual agreements. Always consult with your local health department for the most accurate and up-to-date information relevant to your business.