Through Candid Edwards
November 25, 2025
Pantries are asking donors to explore their offerings as the holidays approach.
Food banks across the United States are seeing an increase in donations of expired, damaged or incorrectly labeled food.
Pantries are asking donors to explore their offerings as the holidays approach. Compromised donations pose a security concern at a time when demand for aid continues to rise.
Increasing amounts of dented cans, expired baby food, and repackaged bulk foods that violate federal guidelines are being donated every day. In addition to not being able to distribute donations, pantries are spending more and more hours sorting through food that cannot be safely distributed.
There are strict guidelines for food donations. Perishable items such as eggs, dairy, fresh meat and produce are not recommended.
“While an individual cannot donate a bunch of bananas or a frozen turkey, many food banks do work directly with farmers, retailers, restaurants and other businesses to obtain these perishable foods for donation,” Feeding America wrote in his guidance.
Like fresh produce, Feeding America stated that home-baked goods also pose a safety risk because they cannot list ingredients. Although baked donations are off-limits, pantries have partnered with many establishments that offer regulated treats.
“Food banks often have relationships with local restaurants or bakeries that donate additional food that is properly labeled.”
The increase in questionable donations comes as many families face higher grocery prices and reduced federal aid. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) allocations temporarily increased during the pandemic, but most states have ended this emergency assistance in 2023 and 2024. As household budgets tighten, more families are relying on food banks, but the quality of the goods donated is has become less reliable.
The Southern Living Food Bank Advice notes: “Food banks cannot accept anything that has been opened, damaged or is missing required labelling.”
Pantry directors say the issue is not just logistical, but also emotional for families arriving expecting reliable help. Many centers have begun to publish more explicit donation rules or have switched to monetary contributions. Thanks to financial contributions, food banks can purchase safe products directly from wholesalers.
Poor quality donations are often the result of public misunderstanding of food safety rules, rather than deliberate neglect. Yet the consequences are significant. Dented cans can develop bacterial contamination, and expired formula poses health risks that pantries can’t afford to overlook.
Food banks across the country are urging donors to review guidelines before dropping off groceries. The Southern Living advice recommends three categories of items that are highly needed:
• Shelf-stable proteins such as canned tuna, peanut butter or beans
• Whole grain basic products such as rice or pasta in closed factory packaging
• Household supplies such as diapers or personal care products that are sealed and have expired
With demand expected to increase seasonally during the winter months, food banks are emphasizing that secure donations can have an immediate impact.
“As long as the public knows what is needed and what should be avoided, donations remain one of the strongest tools communities have,” the spokesperson said. Southern life guidance states.
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