Donate Food

Who can donate?

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Farmers

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Supermarkets

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Universities

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Wholesalers

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Other Sources

Did you know that roughly one third of the food produced in the world for human consumption every year — approximately 1.3 billion tons — gets lost or wasted?

We need your help to end food waste. Will you join us?

Turn Surplus Into Support

In the United States, 38% of all food goes unsold or uneaten, amounting to 92 billion pounds annually. This staggering figure underscores the importance of redirecting surplus food to community members who need nutrition support.

At Food For Free, we recover roughly 1.3 million pounds of fresh and prepared foods each year from local businesses. By partnering with us, you play a vital role in reducing waste and combating hunger in Greater Boston.

Who Can Donate?

We partner with licensed food service establishments across Greater Boston. Whether you’re a supermarket, university, corporate dining hall, wholesaler, caterer, or another licensed food vendor, your contributions can make a significant difference.

Please note: We are unable to accept food donations from individuals.

How the Donation Process Works

Donating is straightforward. Reach out to our operations team to discuss the types of food you can provide. Our team will arrange a convenient time to collect your surplus food based on the amounts available, your storage capacity, and our vehicle availability.

We will deliver your donation to local organizations supporting community members facing food insecurity. We track all donations, and by request can provide you with how much food your organization has donated by weight.

What Foods Can Be Donated?

We accept a variety of food items, including:
• Fresh produce
• Frozen meats and seafood
• Prepared meals
• Dairy products
• Baked goods
• Non-perishable items

We accept any non-plated food that has been handled in accordance with standard food-safety regulations – this can include grocery items, produce, wrapped sandwiches, salads, or prepared food that has been safely brought down to temperature (40° F or below). Please do not donate food that you would not be willing to serve your clients.

Individually packaged prepared foods (i.e. sandwiches, salads, etc.) must be donated within 7 days of preparation. Food must be labeled with either preparation date or expiration/use by date. All prepared food donations must be labeled with the donor organization name, date prepared, contents (i.e. product or recipe name), and ingredients and/or potential allergens.

Liability Information: You are protected. Both the federal Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act and Massachusetts Good Samaritan Law protect your organization from liability as long as you are donating clearly labeled food that meets safety standards in good faith and there is no gross negligence or intentional misconduct.

Why your Donation Matters

Food insecurity remains a pressing issue in Massachusetts, with 40% of adults experiencing challenges in accessing sufficient food. By donating excess food, you’re not only reducing waste but also playing a pivotal role in combating hunger in our community. Your contributions help us provide consistent access to fresh, healthy, and delicious food for everyone, regardless of age, income, or background.