Q: Does the Food Bank of Delaware accept leftovers?
A: The Food Bank of Delaware cannot accept food that has been served, or food deemed
unsafe by our drivers and food safety staff. We collect good, unused, wholesome food
that would otherwise be wasted from regulated food businesses such as restaurants,
bakeries, supermarkets, wholesalers and local green markets. We do not accept
prepared food from private citizens.

Q: What about food safety?
A: Handling food safely is of paramount concern to the Food Bank of Delaware. To learn
more about our Food Safety Guidelines for donations, please see our food donation
guidelines.

Q: Does the Food Bank of Delaware accept all kinds of food?
A: Yes, we accept fresh food, refrigerated and frozen food, dried foods, food in boxes, cans, and bottles, baby food and formula. The only food that the Food Bank of Delaware cannot accept is food that has been prepared at home, served or deemed unsafe by our staff.

Q: How can I package my donation?
A: Clear, food-grade bags.

Q: I'm throwing a catered event. Will the Food Bank be able to pick up any excess food?
A: Yes, we can pick up the chilled leftovers the next day. We get many useful donations from catered events such as weddings, conferences, and office parties.

Q: I'm usually very busy. Does donating take a lot of time?
A: In the time it takes to throw away excess food, you could package it for donation to the Food Bank of Delaware instead. We do all the paperwork and a receipt for your donation will be mailed to you. Donating to the Food Bank of Delaware is an easy, efficient way to be generous. 

Q: I’d like to donate food, but I’m concerned about liability. Will I be held responsible if someone falls ill after eating food I donated?
A: You are protected from liability. The Federal and Delaware Good Samaritan Law limits liability for food donations.

More importantly, our staff and drivers are trained in industry-standard food handling guidelines, and have the authority to refuse food that does not meet quality standards.

Q: What food is acceptable to donate to the Food Bank of Delaware?
A: We can safely accept: 

• Food from a regulated food company.
• Whole fresh produce without significant decay
• Chopped fresh produce packed separately in food-grade packaging
• Prepared foods chilled to 40 degrees F that have not been served or placed on a buffet
• Chilled perishable packaged foods such as juice and cheese in their original packaging
• Frozen or fresh meat, poultry and fish
• Dairy products 40 degrees F to expiration date
• Shelled eggs
• Frozen foods in original packaging
• Baked goods (day-old bread, bagels, and other bakery items)
• Canned and packaged goods in original packaging
  

Q: What food is not acceptable to donate to the Food Bank of Delaware?
A: We are unable to accept:

• Food that is not from a regulated food company.
• Home prepared food
• Stale bread or baked goods
• Foods that have been served or put on a buffet table
• Foods that have been previously reheated
• Foods that have been kept in the temperature danger zone for more than 2 hours
• Foods with damaged or compromised packaging, resulting in the loss of a sanitary barrier protection
• Produce with significant decay
• Frozen foods with freezer burn
• Sushi or any seafood intended for raw consumption
• Open, punctured, bulging or seriously damaged canned goods
• Any food containing alcohol