Food Recovery
Let’s solve the problem!
GCFP is committed to providing safe and healthy food to our neighbors in need by developing partnerships with local vendors, restaurants, catering companies, and other food enthusiasts in our community. Why should good food be thrown out when people in our community are hungry?
Food Donation Guidelines
BE SAFE – Food Safety Guidelines for Donors
Other Ways to Donate Food
GCFP uses many different donation methods to acquire food. Learn about other methods here.
Good Samaritan Act
The Good Samaritan Food Donation Act protects food donors from liability when donating to nonprofits, encouraging the safe donation of food and grocery items for distribution to neighbors.
USDA Food Safety Information
USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) ensures that our nation’s meat, poultry and processed egg supply is wholesome, safe and properly labeled. Read more about USDA Food Safety below.
GCFP Safe Food Donation Guidelines
Learn about Gunnison Country Food Pantry Food Donation Guidelines in the PDF below.
Become a Food Recovery Donor: How It Works
Step 1: Contact Us
‘To make a food donation of recovered food from a business and make a difference in our community, please contact us at: 970-641-4156 or offfice@gunnisoncountryfoodpantry.org. We will get back to you within 1-2 business days.
Step 2: Schedule a Donation
After a brief conversation to discuss the items being donated and the process, we will schedule a pick-up or drop-off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What Types of Food Does GCFP Accept?
A: Protein, shelf stable items, fresh fruit, and vegetables are in high demand. GCFP can accept whole, uncut produce as well as any food that is unopened and in the original packaging with a clear use by, sell by, freeze by, or expiration date. If you have any questions on if a product can be donated to GCFP, please contact us at: offfice@gunnisoncountryfoodpantry.org or 970-641-4156.
Q: What Types of Food Does GCFP Not Accept?
A: GCFP cannot accept the following items:
- Dairy products that are more than 3 days past the expiration date
- Bulging or heavily dented cans
- Moldy, slimy, or inedible produce
- Cross-contaminated items
- Unsealed or open items
- Items not held at proper temperatures
- Frozen items more than 9 months past the expiration date
- Canned or non-perishables more than 3 years past the expiration date
- Soda syrup/concentrate
- Canned or fermented foods that were not prepared in a commercial kitchen
- Alcohol
- Hot food that has not been cooled
- Any other food that is not safe to be consumed by humans
Q: Does GCFP adhere to Food Safety Standards?
A: Yes! We take Food Safety very seriously! GCFP holds itself accountable to maintaining Food Safety Standards similar to any licensed retail food entity. GCFP staff members are also certified by ServSafe National Restaurant Association in Food Handling.
Q: Am I liable when donating food?
A: The Federal Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Act and the Food Donation Improvement Act protects all food donors from legal action so long as they follow food safety requirements. See the act here: Good Samaritan Act
Q: Can I donate expired food?
A: GCFP accepts most items past the expiration date with some exceptions. If you have expired items that you would like to donate, please contact a GCFP staff member at (970) 641-4156 to determine if we are able to accept the product.
Q: What does GCFP do with spoiled food?
A: If donated food is deemed to be unsafe for human consumption, GCFP gives as much of that food as possible to local producers in our region for animal food or compost. Chickens at Gunnison Garden currently enjoy donations on a weekly basis. We also work with local backyard compost enthusiasts to divert as much food waste as possible from the landfill. If you would like to get involved with our Food Waste Diversion Program or have questions, please contact us at: office@gunnisoncountryfoodpantry.org or 970-641-4156
Q: Is this donation tax deductible?
A: Yes, donations to GCFP are tax-deductible. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we provide a tax receipt for all food donations. Donors are responsible for valuing their contributions, and we can provide the total donation weight upon request. We’re happy to work with you to ensure accurate documentation.
Q: Does GCFP accept non-food donations?
A: Yes! GCFP accepts donations of items that are useful to our guests. Accepted non-food donation examples include: pet food, toiletries, winter clothing, diapers, etc.
Q: Does Food Recovery and Food Rescue mean the same thing?
A: Yes, Food Recovery and Food Rescue refer to the practice of diverting as much wholesome, edible food from being thrown out and getting it to people and animals that would eat it. This process follows the Food Recovery Hierarchy, as seen below:
