Food Industry Donations
Did you know that many area food manufacturers, retailers, distributors, restaurants and caterers all have something in common? It’s true; they take the extra step to donate surplus food products to the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
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Hundreds of Chicagoland companies are saving money and eliminating waste by donating their surplus and imperfect, yet edible, products to the Food Depository. Last year, this effort represented over 46 million pounds of food or enough to feed nearly 500,000 hungry men, women and children in our community. A study completed by the United States Department of Agriculture in 1997 highlights the level of food waste throughout the country at more than 96 billion pounds, proving there is more food available for donation.
Donations of items due to surplus production, discontinuation, imperfect or underweight packaging, quality control and approaching expiration dates offer nutritious food to those in need while providing cost-savings in warehousing and disposal charges for food that otherwise would end up in a landfill. The Food Depository is equipped to accept donations of dry, refrigerated and frozen products. We also accept non-food, personal care items such as shampoo and toothpaste, along with household items like paper goods and cleaning supplies. We'll even pick up the donation, saving the donating company's transportation expenses.
Food Rescue
Perishable, prepared foods from grocers, restaurants and caterers are picked up in the morning by our Food Rescue drivers, who are certified in food handling and safety. The items are immediately delivered to a soup kitchen or shelter that can incorporate the donation into its food distribution program. In fiscal year 2007, Food Rescue saved more than 5.3 million pounds of food from going to waste. That's the equivalent of more than 3.9 million meals to Cook County's hungry.
In 2006, food shows donated more than 206,000 pounds of high-quality meats, produce and frozen foods to the Food Depository. The Food Depository has been a longtime partner in the food show effort with Freeman Exposition Services, GES Exposition Services and Teamsters Local 714. Volunteers are essential to the success of food show food rescue. Individuals interested in volunteering their time are encouraged to contact Volunteer Services.
General Information
Food donations are tax deductible and not just for C corportations. Under the new Food Provision in the Pension Act of 2006 (P.L. 109-280, Section 1202) tax benefits have been extend to small businesses, farmers, ranchers and restaurateurs. All donor companies are protected from liability under the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donor Act of 1996 and the Illinois Good Samaritan Act, which was established in 1981. Donating to those in need also demonstrates a company's commitment to giving back to the community.
For more information on how you can make a food donation, contact Food Resources at 773-843-2656.
Donors will be asked for the following information:
- Company name, mailing address, contact name and phone number
- Product description, product state (dry, refrigerated, frozen, fresh), code date
- Amount of donation including case weight, number of cases, number of pallets
- Donation reason: surplus, approaching code date, salvage, quality control
- Code date information
