Donating food to charity is one way of giving back to society. It can make a lasting impact on people’s lives. But before sending any donations, here are essential points to remember.
Research the Charity
Some charities have different requirements or criteria for accepting donations. Not all charities support the causes or advocacies you want. Not all of them are easy to work with. And not all of them are legit. Do your homework if you want a charity you can trust and work with easily. Research the legitimacy of the organization, so you won’t have to worry about your donation being used inappropriately.
Look at Reviews and Feedback
With nearly everything online these days, it only takes a few minutes to search for reviews and feedback. If you’re lucky enough to find them, that information can help you decide if you’re choosing the right charity, the kind of experience you can look forward to once you select the charity, and more.
Check Expiration Dates
Always check the expiration dates before you buy items for food donation. Donating expired food items will only add more work to the charity, as they must sort that out of the mix. It could also give people food poisoning or other health concerns, so check before sending any food items. Also, it pays to know that some charities have strict requirements about food donations, so read and follow their guidelines. If you’re set on donating food, look for a charity that can dispense the items quickly. If they take too long, the food may already be bad or spoiled.
Consider Money
Yes, donating food helps. But if you can, consider switching to money. Funds are more vital than ever in helping people, especially those who’ve undergone disaster or had to suffer through emergencies. Consider giving money instead of food if possible.
