Food Donations

Food Industry Donors

More than 80 food industry manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers donate grocery items to Second Harvest to support our mission. We accept dry, frozen and refrigerated food items and some cleaning and personal care products. If you are a food industry representative, Dave Landerud, Warehouse Manager, can work with you on donation pick-up or delivery. He can be reached at 223-9121 x110. Please provide at least 2-3 days notice.

Community Food/Fund Drives

Many businesses, schools, faith-based organizations and other groups host food/fund drives throughout the year to help feed those who are hungry in their local communities. A food/fund drive gives customers, friends, family, employees and the community an opportunity to make an difference in the fight to end hunger. It takes an average of 1.25 pounds of food to provide a meal. A $1 donation enables us to provide 7 meals. Please visit our Food/Fund Drives page for more information.

Donation drop off SITES

• Food & Fund Donations: Second Harvest warehouse (2802 Dairy Drive, Madison) from 7 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday.
• Food Donations Only (4 grocery bags or less): Check out the Event Calendar for other food drop off sites in our service area.

Liability Protection for Food Donors

Both state and federal laws protect donors from liability. In 1996, President Clinton signed Public Law 104-210, the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act, to encourage donation of food and grocery products to nonprofit organizations for distribution to needy individuals. The new law protects donors from civil and criminal liability should a fit and wholesome product donated in good faith later cause harm to a recipient.

Wisconsin Statute 895.51, Liability Exemption: Food Donation, Sale or Distribution, also provides protection. Any person engaged in the processing, distribution or sale of food products, for profit or not for profit, who donates or sells, at a price not to exceed overhead and transportation costs, qualified food to a charitable organization or food distribution service is immune from civil liability for the death of or injury to any individual caused by the qualified food donated or sold by the person.