FOOD for Lane County - Common questions about donating food

Common questions about donating food

Here are a few commonly asked questions about donating food to FOOD for Lane County.

Are there any risks to the food donor?
FOOD for Lane County’s commitment to the safe handling of all donated food is among the highest in the country. When donating to FOOD for Lane County, you are protected from liability under the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act.

How do I know the food is handled properly after it leaves my business?
FOOD for Lane County is ServSafe Certified, which means our staff and facility meet the highest national standards for safe food handling and processing. FOOD for Lane County provides accountability through our tracking system, which enables us to

track your product from point of origin to the actual 501(c)(3) charity that receives the product

ensure that your donation will reach a person in need, not the secondary market

recall a donated product fast and efficiently when the need arises.

Are there any benefits to me or my business?
There are many benefits to donating food. We help many businesses end waste and put sometimes unavoidable food surplus to the highest and best use. There are also tax benefits available for individuals and companies. FOOD for Lane County guarantees you will receive the receipt you need to claim your tax deduction. And by donating food to FOOD for Lane County, you join thousands of individuals and businesses who are working together to end hunger in our communities. Talk to your tax advisor to make sure you are getting all the benefits you are entitled to.

Where does the food go?
The majority of FOOD for Lane County’s resources and nearly 90 percent of the food we distribute are devoted to meeting the emergency food requirements of individuals and families in immediate need through food box programs, meal sites and emergency shelters. The remaining food is distributed to agencies that operate supplemental food programs. Multiple sources provide thousands of pounds of food annually to FOOD for Lane County. These resources are made available to those in need through a countywide network of more than 100 social service agencies and programs.