FAQs
What is a food bank or food-rescue program?
A food bank operates as a distribution center with capabilities for warehousing and distributing dry, refrigerated, and frozen products that one might typically find in a grocery store. These products are then distributed to charitable human service agencies. These agencies serve the products directly to hungry individuals and families through a variety of food or assistance programs. A food-rescue program or organization describes the manner in which shelf-stable, prepared and perishable, refrigerated and frozen product is retrieved and distributed. Food rescue programs typically pick up product and immediately deliver the product to one or more of their agency members. Both entities funnel food and grocery items to our 950 member agencies, and those items end up reaching Americans in need.
Why do companies donate product to Second Harvest Heartland?
Donations reduce the costs associated with distribution center storage and dumping, and companies are able to take a tax deduction when donating. Brand integrity is protected through strict standards for product handling and inventory control, and annual monitoring and inspecting of food banks and food-rescue programs. Second Harvest Heartland also meets all standards of the Charities Review Council.
How do I donate to Second Harvest Heartland?
Contact the Food Resource Director, call 651.209.7924 or fax 651.484.1064. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. Please provide the necessary information about the product(s) to be donated.
Are there tax benefits when donating to Second Harvest Heartland?
Yes. Donors may receive federal and/or state tax benefits for contributions of product of up to twice the cost of goods. Companies are urged to consult their corporate tax specialists concerning specific product donations, allowable deductions and changes to the tax code.
How is product integrity assured?
Second Harvest Heartland distributes donated products only to partner charitable,
501(c)(3), registered member agencies. A computerized system for distribution enables Second Harvest Heartland to track the movement of product and provide recall capabilities to further assure product integrity. In addition, all member agencies are licensed by their local health departments and are food safety-certified.
What about product liability?
The Federal Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act was designed to encourage donations of grocery products to nonprofit organizations. Essentially, if the donor does not act with negligence or intentional misconduct, the donor is not liable for damage incurred as the result of illness or disease contracted by the ultimate recipient of the food due to nature, age, packaging or condition of the product.