Donate Non-Perishable Food

Have extra canned goods, dry foods, or unopened pantry staples? The ReCollective makes it easy for local members to share food with community organizations through our ReCo Pick program.

Non-perishable food collected for donation

Make Room in Your Pantry. Help Your Community.

Unopened, shelf-stable food can make a meaningful difference for neighbors facing food insecurity. Instead of letting extra food sit unused, pass it along for local donation.

Collection is available during designated ReCo Pick months. Save your food until it is featured, then place eligible items in your ReCo Pick Bag for your scheduled pickup.

What Food Can I Donate?

We accept a wide range of unopened, non-perishable foods that do not require refrigeration.

Accepted Food

  • Canned goods: beans, vegetables, soup, tuna, and similar items
  • Grains: rice, pasta, and oats
  • Legumes: dried lentils, beans, and chickpeas
  • Condiments and sauces: peanut butter, ketchup, and other shelf-stable options
  • Baking ingredients: flour, sugar, and other pantry staples
  • Cereals: breakfast cereal and granola
  • Snacks: crackers, nuts, and similar packaged foods
  • Powdered foods: powdered milk and instant coffee

Do Not Include

  • Opened or partially used food
  • Expired food
  • Fresh or other perishable food
  • Anything requiring refrigeration or freezing
Simple rule: If the food is unopened, non-perishable, and not expired, it is generally suitable for our food donation collection.

How Food Donation Works

Food donations are part of ReCo Pick, our rotating collection of additional household materials.

Save Your Food

Set aside unopened, unexpired pantry items you no longer need. Keep them in a clean, dry place until the food collection month.

Use Your ReCo Pick Bag

During the designated collection month, place your eligible food donations in your ReCo Pick Bag and have it ready for your scheduled doorstep pickup.

We Deliver It Locally

We bring donations to our Durham warehouse, organize them, and deliver the food to local community organizations.

Food donations prepared for local community organizations

Where Does the Donated Food Go?

After collection, food is taken to The ReCollective warehouse in Durham, where it is organized and prepared for delivery to community organizations serving local neighbors.

Our food donation partners have included:

North Durham Mutual Aid Feed Durham

Food Donation FAQs

Can I donate food that is past its expiration date?
No. Please donate only unexpired food. Our collection does not accept expired products.
Can I donate opened food or items that need refrigeration?
No. We accept unopened non-perishable foods. Opened, fresh, refrigerated, and frozen items are not part of this collection.
Is food collected at every doorstep pickup?
No. Food is collected during designated ReCo Pick months. Check the ReCo Pick schedule before including it in your bag.
What happens to food after pickup?
We return donations to our Durham warehouse, organize them, and deliver them to local community organizations.

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