Food bank asks people to check the date before they donate

Editor:

We would like to thank everyone who has contributed in any way to the St. Luke’s Community Food Bank. This letter is not intended to be negative or disrespectful in any way, however, the volunteers at the food bank have concerns over the donation of out-of-date food, particularly canned and dry packaged food.

According to Food Banks Canada, local food banks are not allowed to distribute outdated food of any kind. We check expiry dates on donated food and must dispose of unacceptable food. This means we must open cans and packages and put the contents into the “green bin” and the packaging into the “blue bin”. This unfortunately takes time and is often messy.

We realize that there are many online articles about the “best before date” being just a guideline, however, we must abide by it.

Please, check the food products you intend to donate and discard any that are outdated.

Thank you!

Rev. Lorna May and Sheila Koss
On behalf of St. Luke’s Community Food Bank.