eat more. waste less.
Our goal is zero food waste from our facility. We have implemented measures to reduce waste while still providing good food for our clients.
FOOD RECOVERY
Approximately 58% of food produced in Canada is lost or wasted each year.
63% of the food Canadians throw away could be eaten but was not, either because we buy too much, cook too much, or do not store our food properly. This adds up to 140 kg of food in the average household per year, to the tune of $1,300!
Especially now, with threats of food shortages looming, we must do what we can to reduce that loss. Our Food Recovery system works from source to re-source.
We’ve even involved our Rotary Club of Red Deer East Community Kitchen in our waste reduction strategy. For example, in January 2023 we received several pallets of sweet potatoes - far too many to distribute before spoiling. Our chefs got creative, and made to-go meals for our hamper recipients who were ‘cooking challenged’ either in skill set or access to appliances.
GROCERY STORES
We divert perishable and non-perishable products from the land fill by collecting products that are close to the best before date, are imperfect in appearance, past a grocery “sell by” date, are a seasonal product, or a result of an order mistake.
With 15,000 different products in the average grocery store, donating flats of food to the food bank alleviates the stores' disposal of all this food in landfills. The food is still good and suitable for consumption, however simply not suitable for re-sale.
These donations from the supermarkets begin the cycle of keeping as much food out of the landfill as possible, in that the food can be used and not wasted.
SORTING AND GLEANING
Once the food is received at the Food Bank, our volunteers will sort donations according to product type. Hamper items are put in bins and taken to the Hamper assembly area. Products that are ‘supplements’ to the Hampers are taken to the warehouse and Hamper Distribution room for volunteers and staff to distribute to clients as needed. Pantry items are also sorted by type of product and stored in the warehouse to be placed on the shelves as needed.
Our produce gleaners will go through fresh products, and remove fruits and vegetables from the bins that are not suitable for human consumption (beginning to spoil, badly bruised, or wilted). These products are placed into a bin designated for farm animal use.
LOCAL PRODUCERS
We not only have local producers who will make donations of produce like potatoes or inspected meat, we will also work with livestock producers who will take away food items we’ve gleaned that cannot be used at the Food Bank.
Spilled or damaged food items, stale bread and buns, spoiled produce and other food items that do not meet Alberta Health standards are collected by local farmers to use as feed for livestock.
Thus, the cycle of food - from source to re-sourcing - begins again.
Is it still good?
We’ve posted on our social channels throughout the year a series of informational graphics called “Is It Still Good?” We find that every time we produce this series, we get feedback that people look for these tidbits and find it very helpful when sorting through their pantry to determine what to donate, and to know that the food we provide is safe to eat.
In Canada, only five types of food have true expiry dates: baby formula, meal replacements or supplement bars, meal supplement drinks, formulated liquid diets and foods used in low-energy diets (the last two both require a prescription). These foods should not be eaten past their expiry date.
Have a look at these commonly donated food items to learn more. We are also including here some information about frozen meat products for your reference.
Just click the name of a food item to the right, and read the data from the food safety resources we rely upon, including Health Canada and the USDA.
For information on Health Canada’s food labelling standards, visit inspection.canada.ca
before you toss that out…
Foods that have a VERY long shelf life!
When stored properly, these everyday items will last for years — sometimes decades — even after they’ve been opened. They’ll lose very little, if any, of their original quality as time passes.
Honey
Pure honey is as durable as it is delicious; it keeps safe indefinitely. Honey may change color or crystallize over time, but that won't make it unsafe.
Keep it fresh: Store in a cool area and keep tightly closed. Revive crystallized honey by placing the opened jar in warm water and stirring until dissolved.
rice
White, wild, arborio, jasmine and basmati rice all have an indefinite shelf life, when kept free from contaminants. The exception: brown rice. Thanks to its higher oil content, it won’t keep nearly as long.
Keep it fresh: Store in a cool, dry area. Once opened, place rice in a sealed airtight container or place original package in a resealable heavy-duty freezer bag. For added protection, store rice in the refrigerator or freezer. See more details in our list.
salt
From the basic table variety to fancier versions like kosher and sea, salt is a flavor enhancer that never spoils or goes stale.
Keep it fresh: Store in cool, dry area.
Sugar
White, brown or powdered — sugar never spoils because it doesn’t support bacterial growth. The real challenge is to prevent it from becoming rock-hard.
Keep it fresh: Keep sugar in a cool, dry area. To prevent sugar from hardening after opening, place it in an airtight container or cover the original package in a heavy-duty plastic bag and seal tightly.
Hard liquor
Whipping up some penne alla vodka and a pitcher of cocktails? Distilled spirits —vodka, rum, whiskey, gin, tequila and the like — don’t spoil, even after opening. The taste and aroma may fade gradually, but it’ll take ages before you notice.
Keep it fresh: Store in cool, dark area, away from direct heat or sunlight. Keep bottle tightly closed when not in use.
Maple Syrup
Pure maple syrup not only makes your pancakes special, it adds tremendous flavor to a whole range of dishes. Best of all, it keeps forever in the freezer.
Keep it fresh: Refrigerate after opening. For long-term storage, freeze maple syrup in airtight plastic containers.
pure vanilla extract
Yes, it’s more expensive than its imitation counterpart. But pure vanilla extract keeps forever, so you’ll never have to waste a drop.
Keep it fresh: Store in cool, dark cupboard and keep tightly closed when not in use.
distilled white vinegar
A reliable standby in everything from marinades to salad dressings, distilled white vinegar will remain virtually unchanged as the years pass by.
Keep it fresh: Store vinegar a cool, dark area and keep tightly capped after each use.
Cornstarch
A must-have for thickening sauces, gravies, and puddings. Cornstarch will keep indefinitely if it's kept dry and free from contaminants.
Keep it fresh: Store in cool, dry area; keep package tightly closed between uses.
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Properly stored, an unopened can of fruit will generally stay at best quality for about 18 to 24 months, although it will usually remain safe to use after that. 🍐
Commercially packaged canned fruit cocktail will typically carry a "Best By" date but this is not a safety date. It is the manufacturer's estimate of how long the canned fruit cocktail will remain at peak quality. 🍍
**How can you tell if canned fruit cocktail is bad or spoiled?
The best way is to smell and look at the canned fruit cocktail: If the canned fruit cocktail develops an off odor, flavor or appearance, or if mold appears, it should be discarded. 🍑
Discard all canned fruit cocktail from cans or packages that are leaking, rusting, bulging or severely dented. 🍊
Remember that canned fruit is ALWAYS on demand at the Food Bank. If you can manage it, please know they are a well-received food donation.
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(Ham, Tuna, Salmon etc.)
**How long does unopened canned luncheon meat last?
The precise answer depends to a large extent on storage conditions - to maximize the shelf life of canned luncheon meat, store in a cool, dry area.
**How long does unopened canned luncheon meat last at room temperature?
Properly stored, unopened canned luncheon meat will generally stay at best quality for about 3 to 5 years, although it will usually remain safe to use after that.
**Is unopened canned luncheon meat safe to use after the "expiration" date on the can or package?
Yes, provided it is properly stored and the can is undamaged - commercially packaged luncheon meat will typically carry a "Best By," "Best if Used By," "Best Before", or "Best When Used By" date but this is not a safety date, it is the manufacturer's estimate of how long the canned luncheon meat will remain at peak quality.
Storage time shown is for best quality only - after that, the canned luncheon meat's texture, color or flavor may change, but in most cases, it will still be safe to consume if it has been stored properly, the package is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage.
**How can you tell if canned luncheon meat is bad or spoiled?
The best way is to smell and look at the canned luncheon meat: if the canned luncheon meat develops an off odor, flavor or appearance, or if mold appears, it should be discarded.
Discard all canned luncheon meat from cans or packages that are leaking, rusting, bulging or severely dented.
Canned meat like tuna is always needed for our emergency hampers. Please be kind and add some so others can have a good lunch for school and work this winter.
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(Spaghetti in sauce, stews, etc.)
**How long does an unopened can of spaghetti in tomato sauce last?
The precise answer depends to a large extent on storage conditions - to maximize shelf life, store in a cool, dry area.
**How long does unopened canned spaghetti last at room temperature?
Properly stored, unopened canned spaghetti will generally stay at best quality for about 18 to 24 months, although it will usually remain safe to use after that.
**Is unopened canned spaghetti safe to use after the "expiration" date on the can or package?
Yes, provided it is properly stored and the can is undamaged - commercially packaged canned spaghetti will typically carry a "Best By," "Best if Used By," "Best Before", or "Best When Used By" date but this is not a safety date, it is the manufacturer's estimate of how long the canned spaghetti will remain at peak quality.
Storage time shown is for best quality only - after that, the canned spaghetti's texture, color or flavor may change, but in most cases, it will still be safe to consume if it has been stored properly, the can is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage.
**How can you tell if canned spaghetti is bad or spoiled?
The best way is to smell and look at the canned spaghetti: if the canned spaghetti develops an off odor, flavor or appearance, or if mold appears, it should be discarded.
Discard all canned spaghetti from cans or packages that are leaking, rusting, bulging or severely dented.
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**How long does an unopened can of soup last at room temperature?
Properly stored, an unopened can of soup will generally stay at best quality for about 3 to 5 years, although it will usually remain safe to use after that. The only exception is tomato soup, which is best at 18 to 24 months.
Storage time shown is for best quality only - after that, the soup's texture, color or flavor may change, but in most cases, it will still be safe to consume if it has been stored properly, the can is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage).
**How can you tell if vegetable soup is bad or spoiled?
The best way is to smell and look at the vegetable soup: if the vegetable soup develops an off odor, flavor or appearance, or if mold appears, it should be discarded.
Discard all vegetable soup from cans or packages that are leaking, rusting, bulging or severely dented.
We pack several cans of soups in our emergency hampers, and we distribute about 40 hampers a day. We welcome donations of soup of all kinds throughout the year.
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**How long do unopened canned tomatoes last?
To maximize the shelf life of canned tomatoes (including crushed, stewed, whole, or diced tomatoes), store in a cool, dry area.
Properly stored, an unopened can of tomatoes will generally stay at best quality for about 18 to 24 months, although it will usually remain safe to use after that.
**Are unopened canned tomatoes safe to use after the "expiration" date on the can or package?
Yes, provided they are properly stored and the can is undamaged.
**How can you tell if canned tomatoes are bad or spoiled?
The best way is to smell and look at the canned tomatoes: if the canned tomatoes develop an off odor, flavor or appearance, or if mold appears, they should be discarded.
Discard all canned tomatoes from cans or packages that are leaking, rusting, bulging or severely dented.
We are always in need of canned tomato products. Please keep this in mind when making a food donation this year. Thank you.
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**How long does an unopened can of mixed vegetables last at room temperature?
Properly stored, an unopened can of mixed vegetables will generally stay at best quality for about 3 to 5 years, although it will usually remain safe to use after that.
**Are unopened canned mixed vegetables safe to use after the "expiration" date on the can or package?
Yes, provided they are properly stored and the can is undamaged - commercially packaged canned mixed vegetables will typically carry a "Best By," "Best if Used By," "Best Before", or "Best When Used By" date but this is not a safety date, it is the manufacturer's estimate of how long the canned mixed vegetables will remain at peak quality.
Storage time shown is for best quality only - after that, the canned mixed vegetables' texture, color or flavor may change, but in most cases, they will still be safe to consume if they have been stored properly, the can is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage.
**How can you tell if canned mixed vegetables are bad or spoiled?
The best way is to smell and look at the canned mixed vegetables: if the canned mixed vegetables develop an off odor, flavor or appearance, or if mold appears, they should be discarded.
Discard all canned mixed vegetables from cans or packages that are leaking, rusting, bulging or severely dented.
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(Includes canola, corn, olive, safflower and other oil types. See note on refrigerating olive.)
**How long does an unopened bottle of canola oil last?
The precise answer depends to a large extent on storage conditions -to maximize shelf life, store in a cool, dark area.
**How long does an unopened bottle of canola oil last at room temperature?
Properly stored, an unopened bottle of canola oil will generally stay at best quality for about 24 months.
**Is unopened canola oil safe to use after the expiration date on the bottle?
Yes, provided it is properly stored and the bottle is undamaged - commercially bottled canola oil will typically carry a “Best By," "Best if Used By," Best Before, or "Best When Used By" date but this is not a safety date, it is the manufacturer's estimate of how long the canola oil will remain at peak quality.
Storage time shown is for best quality only - after that, the canola oil's texture, color or flavor may change, but in most cases, it will still be safe to consume if it has been stored properly, the bottle is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage.
**How can you tell if canola oil is bad or spoiled?
The best way is to smell and look at the canola oil: if the oil develops an off odor, flavor or appearance, it should be discarded.
Avacado Oil
Refrigeration may cause the avocado oil to become cloudy and solidify, but this will not affect the quality or flavor — once the oil is brought back to room temperature, it will return to its normal consistency and color.
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**How long does an unopened package of crackers last?
To maximize the shelf life of crackers (including saltines, water crackers, rice crackers, oyster crackers and animal crackers) store in a cool, dry area.
Properly stored, an unopened package of crackers will generally stay at best quality for about 6 to 9 months. The "best before" date on the package is the manufacturer's estimate of how long the crackers will remain at peak quality. After that, the crackers' texture, color or flavor may change, but in most cases, they will still be safe to consume if they have been stored properly, the package is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage.
**How can you tell if crackers are bad or spoiled?
The best way is to smell and look at the crackers: if crackers develop an off odor, flavor or appearance, or if mold appears, they should be discarded.
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To maximize the shelf life of unopened cereal (including corn and bran flakes, toasted oats, rice puffs, corn puffs, granola, wheat squares) store in a cool, dry area. Properly stored, an unopened package of cereal will generally stay at best quality for about one year.
**Is unopened cereal safe to use after the "expiration" date on the package?
Yes, provided it is properly stored and the package is undamaged. "Best Before" dates are the manufacturer's estimate of how long the cereal will remain at peak quality.
**How can you tell if cereal is bad or spoiled?
The best way is to smell and look at the cereal: if cereal develops an off odor, flavor or appearance, or if mold appears, it should be discarded.
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**How long does a package of white flour last?
Properly stored, a package of white flour will generally stay at best quality for about 1 year at room temperature. To maximize the shelf life of white flour once the package is opened, transfer flour to a covered airtight container or place original flour bag in a resealable plastic freezer bag. White flour will typically carry a " Best By," "Best if Used By," "Best Before", or "Best When Used By" date but this is not a safety date. It is the manufacturer's estimate of how long the white flour will remain at peak quality. Storage time is for best quality only - after that, the white flour's texture, color or flavor may change, but in most cases, it will still be safe to consume if it has been stored properly, the package is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage.
**Can you keep white flour in the fridge or freezer?
Yes, to further extend the shelf life you can refrigerate or freeze it. Place the white flour inside covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. **How long does white flour last in the fridge? White flour will maintain best quality for about 2 years in the refrigerator.
**How long does white flour last in the freezer?
Properly stored, white flour will maintain best quality for about 2 years, but will remain safe beyond that time.
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Frozen beef will be safe indefinitely. However, for best quality, use uncooked steaks, roasts, or chops within four to 12 months, uncooked ground beef within four months, and cooked beef within two to three months.
See details about ground beef food safety under the “Frozen Ground Beef” item selection.
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If kept frozen continuously, chicken will be safe indefinitely, so after freezing, it's not important if any package dates expire.
For best quality, taste and texture, keep whole raw chicken in the freezer up to one year; parts, 9 months; and giblets or ground chicken, 3 to 4 months.
Cooked chicken will taste best if kept frozen up to 4 months; cooked poultry casseroles or pieces covered with broth or gravy, 6 months; and chicken nuggets or patties, 1 to 3 months.
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Ground beef is safe indefinitely if kept frozen, but it is best if used within 4 months. Refrigerate or freeze ground beef as soon as possible after purchase. This preserves freshness and slows the growth of bacteria. It can be refrigerated or frozen in its original packaging if the meat will be used soon.
**What kind of bacteria can be in ground beef? Are they dangerous?
Bacteria are everywhere in our environment; virtually any food can harbor bacteria. In foods of animal origin, pathogenic (illness-causing) bacteria, such as Salmonella, Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli (STECs), Campylobacter jejuni, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus, cause illness. These harmful bacteria cannot be seen or smelled.
If the pathogens are present when meat is ground, then more of the meat surface is exposed to the harmful bacteria. Also, grinding allows any bacteria present on the surface to be mixed throughout the meat. Bacteria multiply rapidly in the "Danger Zone" — temperatures between 40 and 140 °F (4.4 and 60 °C).
To keep bacterial levels low, store ground beef at 40 °F (4.4 °C) or below and use within 2 days, or freeze. To destroy harmful bacteria, cook ground beef to a safe minimum internal temperature of 160 °F (71.1 °C).
Other bacteria cause spoilage. Spoilage bacteria generally are not harmful, but they will cause food to deteriorate or lose quality by developing a bad odor or feeling sticky on the outside.
**What is the significance of the "Sell-By" date on the package?
"Sell-By" dates are a guide for retailers. While these dates are helpful to the retailer, they are reliable only if the food has been kept at a safe temperature during storage and handling.
The USDA suggests that consumers cook or freeze ground beef within 2 days after purchase for maximum quality.
It's not important if a date expires after freezing ground beef because all foods stay safe while properly frozen.
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For best quality, freshly frozen pork roast, steaks, chops or ribs should be used within four to six months; fresh ground pork, pork liver or variety meats should be used within three to four months; and home cooked pork, soups, stews or casseroles within two to three months. After that, they will still be safe but may lose quality or dry out.
Dating of Pork
Many stores and processors may date packages of raw pork. Use or freeze products with a "sell-by" date within 3 to 5 days of purchase.
If the manufacturer has determined a "use-by" date, observe it. It's always best to buy a product before its date expires.
It's not important if a date expires after freezing pork because all foods stay safe while properly frozen.
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**How long does pasta and cheese sauce mix last at room temperature?
Properly stored, a package of pasta and cheese sauce mix will generally stay at best quality for about 2 years at room temperature. To maximize the shelf life of pasta and cheese sauce mix, keep the package tightly closed at all times.
**Is pasta and cheese sauce mix safe to use after the "expiration" date on the package?
Yes, provided it is properly stored and the package is undamaged. Commercially packaged pasta and cheese sauce mix will typically carry a "Best Before" date which is the manufacturer's estimate of how long the pasta and cheese sauce mix will remain at peak quality.
**How can you tell if pasta and cheese sauce mix is bad or spoiled?
The best way is to smell and look at the pasta and cheese sauce mix: if the pasta and cheese sauce mix develops an off odor, flavor or appearance, or if mold appears, it should be discarded.
We go through a LOT of mac & cheese boxes every month. You can never go wrong when you donate boxes at the grocery store on your weekly grocery shopping trip.
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**How long does margarine last?
The precise answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep margarine tightly covered at all times.
**How long does margarine last in the refrigerator?
Margarine that has been continuously refrigerated will usually keep well for about 1 to 2 months after the Sell By or Best By date on the package.
**Can you freeze margarine?
Yes - to further extend the shelf life of margarine, freeze it in a covered airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
**How long does margarine last in the freezer?
Properly stored, margarine will maintain best quality for about 12 months, but will remain safe beyond that time.
The freezer time shown is for best quality only - margarine that has been kept constantly frozen at 0° F (-18° C) will keep safe indefinitely.
**How to tell if margarine is bad?
The best way is to smell and look at the margarine: if the margarine develops an off odor, flavor or appearance, or if mold appears, it should be discarded.
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**How long does a package of dry pasta last?
To maximize the shelf life of dry pasta store in a cool, dry area.
**How long does a package of dry pasta last once opened?
Properly stored, a package of dry pasta will generally stay at best quality for about 3 years at room temperature.
Maximize the shelf life of dry pasta: Keep the package tightly closed at all times. Once the package is opened, transfer dry pasta to a covered airtight container or place the dry pasta package in a resealable plastic freezer bag.
**Is dry pasta safe to use after the "expiration" date on the package?
Yes, provided it is properly stored and the package is undamaged. .
**How can you tell if dry pasta is bad or spoiled?
The best way is to smell and look at the pasta. If the dry pasta develops an off odor, flavor or appearance, or if mold or insects appear, it should be discarded.
Dry pasta is a staple in our hampers & makes for a simple donation item. Please pick up a couple extra packages when doing your grocery shopping this weekend & leave them in the bins on your way out. Thank you so much.
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**How long does an unopened jar of peanut butter last at room temperature?
Properly stored, an unopened jar of peanut butter will generally stay at best quality for about 2 years at normal room temperature.
"Best Before" dates are for best quality only - after that, the peanut butter's texture, color or flavor may change, but in most cases, it will still be safe to consume if it has been stored properly, the package is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage. .
**How can you tell if peanut butter is bad or spoiled?
The best way is to smell and look at the peanut butter: if the peanut butter develops an off odor, flavor or appearance, or if mold appears, it should be discarded.
Peanut butter is a staple in our emergency hampers, and one we regularly need. We always appreciate receiving donations of peanut butter in food drives & donation bins at the grocery stores.
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How long does white rice last?
The short answer is, "It depends." When properly stored and kept free from contaminants, uncooked white rice has an indefinite shelf life.
Tips for storing rice:
🍛 Store in a cool dry area
🍛 After opening the package, place the uncooked white rice in a sealed airtight container
🍛 Uncooked white rice can also be stored in the freezer
**How long does white rice last once cooked?
Cooked white rice will generally stay good for 4-6 days in the refrigerator and 6 months in the freezer.
**How do you know if it's gone bad?
If it develops an off odor, flavor or appearance, or if insects or other contaminants appear, it should be discarded.
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**How long does unopened spaghetti sauce last at room temperature?
Properly stored, it will generally stay at best quality for about 12 to 18 months, although it will usually remain safe to use after that. 🍅
**Is unopened spaghetti sauce safe to use after the "expiration" date on the can or package?
Yes, provided it is properly stored and the can is undamaged. 🍅
**How can you tell if spaghetti sauce is bad or spoiled?
The best way is to smell and look at the spaghetti sauce: if the spaghetti sauce develops an off odor, flavor or appearance, or if mold appears, it should be discarded. 🍅
Discard all spaghetti sauce from cans or packages that are leaking, rusting, bulging or severely dented. 🍅
We need lotsa sauca! Tomato products like pasta sauce are heavily used in our hampers. A good go-to donation item to note.