Food Donation Guidelines
We welcome food donations from commercial and non-profit organizations across Atlanta. These guidelines will help you understand the basics.
Items We Accept
- Bread and baked goods
- Uncooked or cooked meats
- Dairy and produce
- Prepared food
- Canned and shelf stable items
- Deli meats and cheeses
- Salads
- Juice
- Water and other non-alcoholic drinks
Items We Don’t Accept
- Food that has been served
- Food from a personal residence
- Alcoholic beverages (including hard ciders & lemonades, wine coolers, etc.)
Preparation & Packaging Standards
For the well-being of the donation’s recipients, SHA maintains the following preparation standards for all food donations. All food items must:
- Be edible for at least 24 hours after the scheduled pick-up.
- Have been stored frozen or refrigerated as soon as possible after the determination was made not to serve it.
- Be labeled with food type and preparation date. (ex. Potato Salad, 2/8/19).
- Be packaged in single-use aluminum pans with lids, sealed food-safe plastic bags, or their original packaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
I am interested in putting an ongoing food rescue program in place. Who can I work with to learn more?
Please read our Food Donation Guidelines above and then contact our Food Donor Coordinator, Kim Soltero (kimsoltero@secondhelpings.info), to discuss your recurring food donation opportunity.
What types of food do you accept?
Please review our Food Donations Guidelines above.
How must the food be packaged for pick-up?
Please refer to our Food Donation Guidelines for more information on packaging.
How often do you pick-up?
We determine a pickup schedule on a case-by-case basis once we have more information about your organization’s donations.
Is there a minimum quantity of food required to schedule a pick-up?
For recurring food donors, we discuss pickup sizes on a case-by-case basis. For a one-time food donation, we typically do not pick up donations weighing under 100 pounds.
What if I have a food donation that doesn’t meet your minimum quantity?
We suggest reaching out to your closest food pantry, shelter, or fire station to see if they would like to accept the food for drop off. Please refer to our LIST OF AGENCIES for suggestions of locations convenient to you.
What if I have a food donation that has to be picked up quickly — today or tomorrow?
For donations that need to be handled in under 48 hours, please refer to our list of agencies and drop the food off at a location convenient to you.
Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
Please contact our Food Donor Coordinator (kimsoltero@secondhelpings.info) if you have any other questions.