TIL my town's food pantry actually needs unexpired canned goods within 6 months of purchase, not just anything past the sell-by date

I found this stat buried on their website when I was dropping off donations last Tuesday - they said 40% of what people bring gets thrown out because it's too old, so now I only buy stuff with a date at least 8 months out.

2 comments

2 Comments

the_lucas1d ago

Wait, so they actually check the dates that closely? I just assumed canned goods lasted forever since my grandma had stuff from like 2012 in her pantry. That's wild they toss 40% of donations though, seems like a huge waste of food and effort. Now I'm gonna start checking the dates before I buy stuff for the drop off box.

veramiller1d ago

Oh wow, you hit the nail on the head! I think most people don't realize how strict food banks actually have to be with those dates. It's not just about being picky - they have to follow health guidelines or they could lose their license. That 40% number really opened my eyes too. Your grandma's canned goods might have been fine for her, but food banks can't take that risk when people's health is on the line. It's a good idea to check dates before you buy for the drop off box, and also look for things that are still a year or more out. That small change in how we shop could save a lot of good food from getting thrown away.