Donate food

Why give food?

Benefit your business

Take advantage of tax deductions by donating food from overproduction or unsold inventory. You can also save money on waste removal associated with throwing away surplus foods.

Build a positive culture

Donating food will boost morale and the work environment. Employees are often proud to work for companies that give back to communities.

Make an immediate impact

Strengthen community ties and enhance your business’s reputation while providing people in need with food.

Prevent waste

Divert food from landfills, reducing methane emission and the overall impacts of food waste.

What you can donate

All food donations must be handled and stored properly to maintain safety and quality. Donated foods should be in their original packing or properly sealed containers to ensure they remain safe and uncontaminated. Food past its labeled dates is safe to donate as long as the food has been inspected for spoilage. Donors should follow ServSafe food safety guidelines to ensure prepared food remains safe for consumption.

Types of food you can donate include:

Perishable items including fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, meat, and baked goods.
Prepared items such as surplus meals from events, catered functions or other food service.
Canned goods, boxed meals, and dry foods
Frozen food (without freezer burn)
Bottled drinks such as water, juice, and milk

Ready to donate food?

Send us a message and we’ll make sure your food goes directly to people who need it—either through our Upcycling Kitchens or one of our partners.

How to donate food

Partner with local food banks and food rescue organizations that work with business and organizations to facilitate donations.

Metro Food Resuce

Metro Food Rescue has trucks on the road 6 days a week, picking up food from 27 locations and dropping it off, in partnership with more than 50 partner food banks.

Food Rescue US – Detroit

Food Rescue US – Detroit disrupts the cycle of food waste by directing nutritious, surplus food to those in need. They leverage technology and a network of volunteers to streamline food rescue and distribution.

Frequently asked questions

Liability Protection

You are protected when you donate food under the 1996 Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act and the 2023 Food Donation Improvement Act. Businesses and organizations that donate or distribute food or grocery products are protected from liability when donating food in good faith. Good faith is defined as donating food that has been treated the same as food served to guests. As long as you have followed the same food safety protocols, and believe the donated food to be safe for consumption, you will not be held liable if the food later causes harm. Understanding these protections can give you peace of mind as you contribute to helping those in need.

Michigan law further strengthens these protections. Under the Michigan State Liability Protection Law, not only are food donors protected, but also those who harvest surplus crops for donation are also covered. This law extends liability protection to nonprofit organizations that distribute donated food, ensuring that those who contribute to fighting hunger are fully supported by the legal system.

Federal Tax Incentive

The federal government offers a tax deduction to businesses donating food in order to support businesses in diverting food to the community. See the following for detail on calculating your tax deduction, or consult an accounting professional: NRDC – Tax Deduction Food Donation; Food Law and Policy Clinic – Food Donation Tax Guide.