Thank you for considering a bulk product donation to The Food Group! Many commercial food processors, distributors, and retailers make donations of nutritious food and other products in bulk. Donations are a great way to move close dated or surplus product, finish up distribution of discontinued or seasonal packaging or products, and reduce your waste! Depending on the circumstances, we may even be able to pay the freight to get the product to our warehouse or pick it up ourselves, thus reducing your storage, transportation or disposal costs. You can also rest assured that everything that is donated to us goes out to our food shelf partners absolutely free. We do not charge any administrative or handling fees on any donated product, unlike many other food banks. We run a full-service warehouse, with refrigerated and frozen storage, so we can receive perishable and non-perishable items. We also accept pet supplies and household items. See our Bulk Product Donation Guidelines for details on what we are able to accept.
GOOD FOR BUSINESS, GOOD FOR OUR COMMUNITY
WHAT: Donate your product and feed local families experiencing hunger.
WHO IS HUNGRY: Despite a recovering economy, hunger persists in Minnesota. One in ten Minnesota households is affected by hunger, and approximately one-third of those impacted by hunger are under 18 years old. Poor nutrition adversely impacts students’ thinking skills, behavior, and health, all factors that impact academic performance.
WHY PARTNER WITH THE FOOD GROUP: Your donation will feed local community members experiencing hunger, and demonstrate your dedication to the community.
The Food Group is focused on creating access to fresh produce, nutritious foods, and culturally specific options through all of our programs. We are recognized as a leader in advancing equity in the local hunger relief system. Our work ensures community members can access food that fits their dietary needs, is familiar to them, and they know how to prepare.
In 2016, The Food Group was awarded the Minnesota Department of Human Service’s Commissioner’s Circle of Excellence Award in recognition of our pioneering leadership and ongoing commitment to fighting hunger and creating increased access to nutritious foods. By partnering with The Food Group, you are aligning your company with these critical values and fighting hunger.
A PARTNERSHIP TO BE PROUD OF: We will proudly promote our partnership via our website, social media and printed materials (or keep your donations anonymous, if preferred). We can work with you on what makes the most sense with your needs and the audience you seek to reach regarding your philanthropic endeavors.
YOUR SUPPORT IS GOOD FOR BUSINESS: Impress your customers by showing them how you are giving back in a time of such great need! It’s an excellent way to boost employee morale and engagement as well.
DONATE WORRY-FREE
In 1996, the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Act was passed, which was created to encourage the donation of food to non-profit organizations that would benefit the hungry.
The law protects all food and grocery donors, including individuals, corporations, partnerships, associations, governmental entities, wholesalers, manufacturers, retailers, farmers, gleaners and non-profit feeding program administrators who donate food and grocery products in good faith.
There has never been a case of a company being sued for a good faith donation of food; this is a common myth. Our warehouse follows food safety practices, so you can trust that your donation will be handled properly. For more information about the Good Samaritan Act, click here.
TAX BREAKS
Many donations of food are also eligible for an enhanced tax deduction under IRS 170(C)(3), which goes above and beyond a standard tax deduction. In December of 2015, Congress passed a bill that expanded the types of businesses that are eligible for tax breaks to include all business forms (C-Corps, S-Corps, Partnerships, LLCs, Sole Proprietorships), and made these tax breaks permanent! For more details, see The Food Group’s Bulk Product Donation Guidelines.
Please consult your tax advisor for details.
MOST IMPACTFUL ITEMS:
Meats, Fish and Protein
Fruits and Vegetables
Whole Grains
Hygiene and Household Products
BULK PRODUCT DONATION GUIDELINES
This document is a comprehensive guide for donating product to The Food Group. It goes further in depth on The Good Samaritan Act, the enhanced tax deduction and includes detailed information on types of products that The Food Group will accept and under what conditions.
Contact Snow Aukema with questions:
Snow Aukema
Agency Specialist
763-450-3869