Food Industry Donations

The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano relies on donations from retailers, distributors, manufactures, producers, and farmers to supplement programs that serve our food-insecure neighbors.

We accept a variety of food items in large quantities.

“Through these donations, we keep good food in our community, where it belongs, instead of letting it go to waste.”     – Carol Barsotti, Raley’s

The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano has the capacity to accept donations by the truckload, whether refrigerated or shelf stable, in retail and in bulk packaging. We can even provide transport in some situations.

Types of Donations Accepted

We accept sealed, undamaged packages of both shelf-stable and perishable commercially packaged items, including fresh produce, frozen meat, dairy products, bakery items, deli and prepared food items, assorted dry goods, shelf-stable items, and personal care items.*

Local Donation PIck-up Available

We are prepared to pick up donations large or small and move products to our Fairfield or Concord warehouses or to authorized partners throughout Northern California. To coordinate a large-scale donation, contact the Food Bank at fooddonations@foodbankccs.org.

Donate from Anywhere with MealConnect

Food businesses anywhere in the country can easily donate their nutritious and unsold product using the MealConnect platform. If you are a food business looking to donate product to the Food Bank, please use this link to connect with a team to schedule a pickup.

*We maximize our resources to move food intended for humans. Upon approval and review, we may be able to accept items like pet food, household items, and other donations that support our neighbors.

Reasons to Become a Food Donor

By donating unsalable, surplus, or close-to-code-date products, your company receives these benefits:

  • Reduce waste and improve sustainability.
  • Enhance public image through partnership opportunities.
  • Save money on dumping and disposal fees.
  • Receive a tax deduction — consult with your tax advisor.
  • Increase warehouse space or save on storage costs.
  • Receive free pickup in most cases!
  • Comply with the implementation of California state law SB 1383 by recovering edible food that would otherwise be sent to landfills.

The Food Bank’s goal is to never turn a donor away. Even if we can’t use a particular donation at a certain time, we will work with our large hunger-fighting network to ensure good food does not go to waste.

The Food Bank operates two food distribution warehouses in Concord and Fairfield and works with authorized network partners. To ensure food safety, which is a critical part of the donation process, we:

  • Operate a fleet of vehicles to pick up all food donations or have authorized partner agencies pick up and use passive cooling.
  • Store products immediately in a freezer or cooler as required.
  • Use an inventory system to monitor and track food products.
  • Utilize a comprehensive communication process for product recalls.

Each of our nonprofit network partners actively participates in Food Bank-conducted site visits and attends training sessions to ensure the safest, healthiest food is distributed to neighbors in need.

The Food Bank supports businesses of all sizes to meet the requirements of California state law SB 1383, which requires businesses to actively donate edible food to people in need. 

To encourage companies and organizations to donate healthy food and grocery products that would otherwise go to waste, the federal government instituted The Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act. This act protects food donors from criminal and civil liability — encouraging donations, reducing waste, and supporting those in need.

Our team can support your compliance with SB 1383 by collaborating in agreement creation and report generation.

Donation Guidelines

  • Whole produce that is in clean, dry condition.
  • Produce that has been cut/processed must be stored at 41°F or below.

  • Sealed original packaging with labels and ingredients.
  • Fresh or day-old items.
  • Donated within four days past “Sell By.”

  • Sealed, original, intact, dated packaging
  • Food-grade materials
  • Stored by species; frozen at 0°F or below by “Sell By”

  • Sealed, original packaging with labels and ingredients.
  • Donated within four days past “Sell By.”
  • Stored at 41°F or below; do not freeze.

  • Sealed, labeled original packaging
  • Must be stored at 41°F or below

  • Internal packaging intact
  • Dents allowed if not on seal
  • Stored in cool, dry, clean area

  • Opened, leaking packaging
  • Moldy, slimy, spoiled, or discolored items
  • Unthawed, previously frozen meats or meals

Questions? Download our donations guideline handout or contact the Food Bank’s team at fooddonations@foodbankccs.org.