Help Us Reduce Food Waste & Feed Our Community
At the Wildwood Soup Kitchen, we are committed to serving those in need while responsibly stewarding the resources entrusted to us. One of the most impactful ways to support our mission is by becoming a food donor.
Donating food is simple—and your generosity is protected. Below are answers to some common questions from individuals and businesses considering donating. After reviewing this, please contact Jeff at jeff@wildwoodsoupkitchen.org to schedule a pickup or delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Am I protected if I donate food?
A: Yes. Food donors are protected under the Federal Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act, which provides national protection for those who donate food in good faith.
Additionally, Florida Statute Chapter 768.13 offers immunity from civil and criminal liability to food donors and volunteers acting on behalf of charitable organizations. These protections apply to donations of both perishable and non-perishable food, even if items are not readily marketable due to appearance, surplus, or similar reasons.
Q: Do you accept opened food items?
A: No. For the safety of our volunteers and the individuals we serve, we cannot accept any opened or partially used food items.
Q: What types of food do you accept?
A: We gratefully accept food that is safe for human consumption, including:
- Perishable foods (properly stored and temperature controlled)
- Prepared foods from licensed or regulated food businesses (restaurants, caterers, bakeries, wholesalers)
- Semi-perishable items (baked goods, fresh produce, etc.)
- Non-perishable items
All prepared food must:
- Be properly handled and stored
- Not have been previously served to the public
Q: Can you pick up food donations?
A: In some cases, yes. We rely heavily on volunteers, so pickup availability may vary. Please contact us to discuss your donation and timing.
Q: Can I donate leftover food from a large event?
A: Possibly. We can accept food from catered events if:
- It was prepared by a licensed food provider
- It has been kept at safe temperatures
- It has not been previously served to guests
- It remains properly stored in sealed containers
How to Get Started
Whether you have a one-time donation or would like to donate regularly, we would love to partner with you.
Please contact us to coordinate your donation and ensure it can be put to immediate use serving those in need.
Make an Impact
Your donation helps:
- Reduce food waste
- Feed individuals and families in need
- Strengthen our community
Together, we can turn surplus into support and make a real difference—one meal at a time.
Also, here is a link to the USDA FAQ page for the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act.
https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-good-samaritan-faqs.pdf
