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.

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Best Management Practices

Who Can Donate?

Events

Farms

K-12 Schools

Manufacturers
Restaurants

Supermarkets

Universities

Wholesalers

Events

Farmers

K-12 Schools

Manufacturers
Restaurants

Supermarkets

Universities

Wholesalers

This webpage provides guidance to organizations interested in establishing food donation programs by offering a broad overview of how successful food donation programs can be structured.

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

Start or Strengthen Your Food Donation Program

Learn the steps, best practices, and legal protections for safely donating surplus food in Massachusetts. Our Best Management Practices page offers guidance on food safety, storage, labeling, transportation, tax incentives, and working with food rescue partners

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

Visit Best Management Practices

Food Donation & Recovery Partners in Massachusetts

This table highlights organizations across Massachusetts that support food donation and food recovery efforts.
Organization Name Website Donation PhoneDonation EmailType of Entity Types of Food AcceptedFeeding America Partner?Service Area (Please be as specific as possible)  Mission StatementAdditional Notes
Food Bank of Western Massachusettswww.foodbankwma.org413-419-0058events@foodbankwma.orgFood BankNon-PerishableYesHampshire, Franklin, Hampden, Berkshire CountyOur Mission: To build lasting food security by providing nutritious food and partnering with communities to end hunger in Western Massachusetts.For individuals or groups interested in conducting a food drive, please visit our website at https://www.foodbankwma.org/get-involved/conduct-a-food-drive/
Careitcareit.com8333663365hello@careit.comFood Donation AppPerishable, Non-Perishable, PreparedUSA and CanadaFood donation and rescue software that makes it easy for businesses and institutions to donate surplus food and goods directly to local nonprofits.
CENTRO Inc.Centroinc.org508-798-1900 ext. 257Mdiaz@centeonxFood PantryPerishable, Non-Perishable, PreparedWorcester, MATo assist individuals and families seeking to achieve self-sufficiency build purposeful lives through our unique mix of comprehensive integrated services, exceptional care, and an unequalled cultural and linguistic competence.
Bread & Roses www.breaandroseskitchen.orghello@breadandroseskitchen.orgFood PantryPerishable, Non-Perishable, PreparedWe are based in Lawrence, MA. We serve everyone, from anywhere; we do not require any identification or referral. Bread & Roses’ mission is to address the core necessities of the Merrimack Valley’s community members with a holistic and welcoming approach focusing on food insecurity and promoting self-empowerment.We accept any non-expired items, including perishable, non-perishable, prepared, and homemade goods! We don't accept any state or federal funding and rely entirely on donations.
Food Linkfoodlinkma.org781-819-4225info@foodlinkma.orgFood Rescue OrgPerishable, Non-Perishable, PreparedGreater BostonFood Link is working to create a more equitable food system throughout Greater Boston by rescuing and distributing high-quality, customized food to under-resourced communities and by advocating for systems change.
Food Recovery Networkhttps://www.foodrecoverynetwork.org/(240) 615-8813foodrecoveryverified@foodrecoverynetwork.orgFood Rescue OrgPerishable, Non-Perishable, PreparedNoBoston Metro RegionFood Recovery Network (FRN) unites 8,000+ college students, food suppliers, farmers, and local businesses across the U.S. in the fight against climate change and hunger by recovering surplus food from across the supply chain and donating it to local nonprofit organizations that feed people experiencing hunger.
food rescue collaborativewww.foodrescuecollaborative.org617-216-4545info@foodrescuecollaborative.orgFood Rescue OrgPerishable, Non-Perishable, PreparedYesNew EnglandWe use technology to unite diverse food rescue agencies to more effectively and equitably feed peopleAll volunteer staff
Rachel's Table of Western Massachusettswww.feedwma.org413-733-0084khenry@feedwma.orgFood Rescue OrgPerishable, Non-Perishable, PreparedNoHampshire, Franklin, and Hampden CountiesRachel’s Table of Western Massachusetts works to alleviate hunger and reduce the waste of food in across the 3 counties of the Pioneer Valley.
Feed RIhttps://feedri.org/401-638-4673ssilva@feedri.orgFood Rescue OrgPerishable, Non-Perishable, PreparedNoAll of RI and southern MAFeed RI creates sustainable solutions to food insecurity by partnering with food distributors and retail stores to rescue food that would normally be thrown away. Feed RI is combatting food insecurity through three programs. Hope Market is a deeply discounted retail food market where anyone can come and shop. Prices are at least 60% lower than retail stores. Feed RI is the largest supporter of school food banks in the state and delivers food to 17 schools every other week. Feed RI also delivers food to pantries in 5 libraries across the state as well as other organizations that offer food pantries or meals to those in need.
The Food Drivethefooddrive.org7812141030fooddrivemelrose@gmail.comFood Rescue OrgPerishable, Non-Perishable, PreparedEverett, Lynn, Malden, Medford, Melrose, Reading, Saugus, Stoneham, Wakefield, WoburnThe Food Drive's mission is to feed our neighbors. We distribute free food in our community seven days a week year-round.The Food Drive is a community-driven hyperlocal hunger relief and food rescue nonprofit serving communities north of Boston.
Food For Freefoodforfree.org617-802-9880operations@foodforfree.orgFood Rescue OrgPerishable, Non-Perishable, PreparedBoston, Cambridge, Somerville, Everett, Malden, Chelsea, RevereFood For Free improves access to healthy food through establishing innovative programming and partnerships to overcome barriers and strengthen the community food system. We believe that access to healthy food is a fundamental right. We envision a future where everyone in our community – regardless of age, income, or ability – has consistent access to fresh, healthy, delicious food.Uplifting communities with healthy food since 1981

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.