Translate
Donating food ensures edible items you cannot use go to families and individuals in need. Donations are the highest and best use for surplus food, are tax deductible, and protected under Good Samaritan laws.
Getting Started
Even with careful planning, leftover or unused food is inevitable. Local food banks, pantries, and meal sites welcome donations from grocers, restaurants, caterers, and food service businesses.
Steps to Donate Food
- Identify Food to Donate
- Prioritize healthy, wanted foods (shelf-stable, perishable, or prepared).
- Excess ingredients can be transformed into meals at donation sites.
- Avoid sending unusable food.
- Determine how much and how often you can donate (daily, weekly, or monthly).
- Follow proper food safety practices for preparation, storage, and handling.
- Find a Local Food Donation Partner
- Small amounts can go to employees first, then food assistance programs.
- We can help you identify partners in your community who accept donations.
- Search the Oregon Food Bank tool to find organizations near you.
- Plan and Establish a Routine
- Work with your donation partner to coordinate pickup, storage, labeling, and record-keeping.
- Set a regular schedule to make donations consistent and manageable.
- Train Staff
- Teach employees how to identify, store, and label food safely for donation.
- Integrate donation procedures into your standard operating protocols.
- Post guidelines and tracking logs near storage and prep areas.
Benefits of Donating Food
- Feed people in your community.
- Divert edible food from landfills, avoiding disposal costs.
- Qualify for tax deductions.
- Build stronger relationships with customers, community members, and local organizations.
Additional Resources
Contact Clackamas County Sustainability Advisors
We help businesses set up donation programs, identify partners, and train staff (English & Spanish).
Email: greenbiz@clackamas.us
Call: 503-742-4458
