Surplus Food Donation Program
Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine, along with Maine’s hunger relief organizations, is dedicated to providing nutritious food to families facing food insecurity.
We now accept donations outside our regular operating hours to enhance our support of Maine’s communities. Donations are vital in helping us provide essential resources and make a lasting impact on those in need.
Did you know 1 in 8 of your neighbors may not know where their next meal will come from? Together, we can make a meaningful difference in our communities and help ensure everyone can access the food they need.
The Food Bank accepts perishable, dry, or bulk products that are:
- Rejected but still safe for human consumption or use
- Discontinued items
- Off-spec items
- Damaged items (some restrictions apply)
- Close-dated items
- Various past “best if used by” dated products
Guidelines for Donations:
To ensure the utmost safety and efficiency in the
donation process, donations should:
- Frozen food must be stored at 0 degrees or less if frozen.
- Refrigerated food must be stored at 40 degrees or less if cold.
- Contents must be intact and uncompromised.
- Perishable donations must have a shelf life of over 7 days.
Unacceptable Items:
- Unsealed packaging
- Damaged cans with spillage or rust
- Fresh meat past best-by date
- Expired baby food
- Ice cream
- Candy, cakes, cookies, and soda
- Items with no nutritional or ingredient informational label
- Homemade food items
- Prescription drugs
- Feeding tube formula with medication
- Used clothes, mattresses, or furniture
- Tobacco, alcoholic beverages, THC, CBD,
and THC-related products or any drug-related
paraphernalia
Hunters and Wild Game Guidelines:
In the beautiful state of Maine, where hunting is a tradition and a way of life, an inspiring initiative is making a big impact on our local communities. Maine Hunters for the Hungry Program is an endeavor that encourages hunters to donate their game meat to local pantries, providing a vital source of nutrition to neighbors facing food insecurity.
While this is a fantastic gift to any hunger relief organization, there are several rules and regulations surrounding game meat donations. For more information, please visit the following pages:
- Hunters for the Hungry Program – Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Guidelines and Approved Processor List
- Hunting for Hope: Maine Hunters for the Hungry Program – Blog Post
One Pallet or Less
Several food pantries are able to accept smaller direct donations of a pallet or less. Please visit our Food Map to locate a partner near you.
More than a Pallet
The Food Bank welcomes donations and after hours donations. Call (207) 334-1327 or email for more information.
Become a Corporate Partner
Join our group of socially responsible corporations who support our mission through monetary gifts and/or food donations.
For additional partners, please visit our Food Map:
Why donate?
- Contributing effectively saves on disposal costs, as donations incur no expenses.
- Through donating your surplus products, you play a pivotal role in rescuing perfectly good food from ending up in landfills, thereby championing environmental sustainability.
- Donors receive tax benefits by making charitable contributions and are protected by the Good Samaritan Law.
Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions: (207) 334-1327 or DonateFood@GSFB.org.
Partners Who Accept Smaller Direct Donations of a Pallet or Less
Are you an individual looking to donate?
We recommend you host a virtual food drive to make an immediate difference in ending hunger in our community. If you would prefer to hold a traditional food drive or make a food donation, we recommend connecting and donating to your nearest hunger relief organization.
