Retail and
Food Industry

Food bank aisle with full shelves of non-perishables

Food Industry Donations

As a food bank, the Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank works hard to source food to provide to our member agencies, which puts this food in the hands of our families in need. We work with a variety of organizations within the food distribution chain to make this work happen: retailers, distributors, farmers, produce vendors, restaurants, and food brokers, just to name a few. The Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank is always open to discussing new partnerships with organizations who work in the food industry.

  • Food Items

    • Meat

    • Produce

    • Dairy

    • Baked Goods

    • Canned Food

    • Shelf-stable food

    • Frozen and refrigerated goods

    • Raw ingredients

    • Bulk food

    Non-food

    • Personal hygiene items

    • Household cleaning items

    • Paper products

    • Household items

    • New furnishings

    • Boxes, bags and labels

    • Seasonal/promotional items

    • Electronics

  • Foods that have become compromised cannot be donated. That means food that has mold or signs of spoilage, cans that have any deep dents or rust that compromise the integrity of the can, boxed food where both the exterior box AND interior bag are damaged, or food that has been exposed to chemicals or water will not be accepted. The following items, regardless of quality and integrity of packaging, are not accepted.

    • Baby food or baby formula

    • Medications

    • Items that have been previously used (i.e. clothing)

    • Alcohol or products containing alcohol (includes mouthwash)

    • Tobacco or nicotine products

    • Homemade food items

Parsley sprig

Benefits of Donating

Tax Incentives

Donating food to the Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank is made simple and standardized through the PATH Act of 2015. The Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank will track your donations and provide you with a receipt.

Reduce Food Waste

According to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), up to 40% percent of the food in the United States is wasted. By donating to the Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank, food that would normally be unfit for sale but safe for consumption gets into the hands of those most in need.

Safety at the Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank

Food Safety Standards

The Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank adheres to food safety and handling best practices per the AIB, USDA, and the FDA.

Orange half

Food Recall

Food recalls, both national and statewide, are observed and enforced in our warehouse.

Warehouse Standards

The Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank meets standards as outlined and assed in cooperation with FMI and GMA.

Bill Emerson Good
Samaritan Act of 1996

The Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Act of 1996 protects donors from civil and criminal liability when making donations in good faith. Find more information here: Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Act of 1996.

Orange half

Interested in learning more?

Contact our Food Sourcing Specialist Ashley Oloshove at 419-242-5000 Ext. 215 oraoloshove@toledofoodbank.org.