DNRP > SWD > Garbage and Recycling > Recycle Food. It's Easy To Do. > Edible Food for Donation

Edible Food for Donation

Many individuals and groups provide food to organizations that serve or distribute the food to needy individuals. The distributing organizations must comply with state food safety rules (Chapter 246-215 Washington Administrative Code) and have limitations on the types and sources of food they can accept. Foods suitable for donation include:

• baked goods that do not need refrigeration
• commercially canned, boxed, and packaged foods that do not need refrigeration
• fresh produce, including home-grown fruits and vegetables
• food prepared in a donor kitchen, a licensed food establishment or food processing company.

Search the King County's “What do I do With…?” Web Site to find a location for food donation, or to dispose of or compost food that cannot be donated. For details regarding foods that are suitable for donation and safe food handling practices, see the Washington State Department of Health guidelines (PDF, external).

Important Note: Contact the organization before you donate to assure it can accept the type of food you intend to donate.

top of page