Food Types & Required Packaging
Grocery (dry goods, non-perishables)
Commercially canned, boxed, and otherwise packaged foods such as soups, stews, fruits, vegetables, tuna, peanut butter, sauces, and meals like pasta, rice, macaroni and cheese, etc.
Required Packaging: Foods must be in their intact, original packaging. Non-perishable items do not require time/temperature control.
Bulk foods
Items that come in volumes or portions larger than those ordinarily considered to be for immediate consumption such as rice, beans, oatmeal, flour, etc.
Required Packaging: Foods must be in their intact, original packaging. Bulk foods can only be repackaged in a licensed facility and all smaller portions must be packaged in sanitized or new food grade containers
Bakery items
Products such as breads, bagels, cakes, muffins, rolls, etc. that are prepared at a commercial baking establishment and have not been served to the public.
Required Packaging: Bag or carton, securely closed with no rips or tears. Most bakery items do not require time/temperature control. Exceptions include items filled with perishable foods, e.g. custards or meats.
Produce
Any type of whole fruit or vegetable that is fresh (packaged or loose).
Required Packaging: Packed in clean bags, boxes, or bins. Fruit and vegetables do not require time/temperature control.
Frozen Prepared Foods
Any type of commercially packaged frozen food such as peas, berries, ravioli, waffles, etc.
Required Packaging: Foods must be in their intact, original packaging. Frozen products must be maintained at a temperature of 0˚F or below.
Dairy Products (milk, cheese, butter, eggs)
Commercially packaged milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, eggs and egg products, etc.
Required Packaging: Foods must be in their intact, original packaging. Dairy products must be maintained at a temperature of 41˚F or below.
Pre-packaged Food (e.g. salads, entrees)
Prepared in commercial facility and require refrigeration.
Required Packaging: Foods must be in their intact, original packaging. Cold prepackaged products must be maintained at a temperature of 41˚F or below.
Fresh Meat
Beef, poultry, pork, seafood, and processed items such as sausage or lunch meat that have undergone USDA inspection and approval.
Required Packaging: Foods must be in their intact, original packaging. Raw meat must be transported in a separate container from other donated food items. Fresh meat/seafood must be maintained at a temperature of 41˚F or below.
Prepared Food
Any type of prepared entree such as grilled chicken, lasagna, pasta, salad, rice or soup that has been prepared and properly cooled* at a commercial food service establishment such as a restaurant, cafeteria, or catered event but has not been served or offered to the public.
Required Packaging: Securely sealed, food grade packaging. Sandwiches wrapped in clear plastic, wrap or foil.