Food Sharing Guidelines

Keep our community safe and healthy by following these important guidelines.

Recommended Foods

Sealed & Non-Perishable

  • • Unopened canned goods
  • • Sealed packaged foods
  • • Unopened beverages
  • • Dry goods (rice, pasta, cereal)
  • • Sealed condiments and sauces

Fresh Items (with care)

  • • Fresh fruits and vegetables
  • • Unopened dairy products
  • • Sealed bread and baked goods
  • • Properly stored frozen items

Share with Extra Care

Cooked Foods (Same Day Only)

  • • Prepared meals (cooked today)
  • • Baked goods (homemade)
  • • Cooked vegetables or grains

⚠️ Must include preparation date and storage details

Dairy & Refrigerated

  • • Check expiry dates carefully
  • • Ensure cold chain maintained
  • • Note any temperature breaks

Do Not Share

High-Risk Items

  • • Raw or undercooked meat/seafood
  • • Unpasteurized dairy products
  • • Items with unknown ingredients
  • • Foods stored at unsafe temperatures
  • • Items past expiry date

Special Considerations

  • • Items containing allergens (label clearly)
  • • Alcohol (check local regulations)
  • • Pet food (specify clearly)
  • • Foods requiring special preparation

Pickup Etiquette

For Donors

  • • Be available during pickup window
  • • Respond to reservation requests promptly
  • • Provide clear pickup instructions
  • • Update if food becomes unavailable
  • • Be courteous and understanding

For Recipients

  • • Arrive on time for pickup
  • • Bring appropriate containers
  • • Cancel if you can't make it
  • • Ask questions about storage/preparation
  • • Leave honest feedback after pickup

Safety & Trust

Building Trust

  • • Complete your profile with accurate information
  • • Start with small, simple donations to build reputation
  • • Communicate clearly and honestly
  • • Follow through on commitments

Personal Safety

  • • Meet in safe, public locations when possible
  • • Trust your instincts about food quality
  • • Report any suspicious or unsafe behavior
  • • Keep pickup locations secure but accessible