Sharing Food, Responsibly
Food Finder works because neighbors look out for one another. These guidelines keep every exchange honest and respectful.
Unopened. Not expired.
Every item shared on Food Finder must be in its original sealed packaging and on or before its printed expiration date. Posting opened or expired food is grounds for immediate removal from the platform.
The Good Samaritan Act has your back.
When you share food in good faith on Food Finder, you're covered by the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act of 1996 and the Food Donation Improvement Act of 2023 — federal laws that shield people and platforms from civil and criminal liability for harm arising from donated food, except in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct. Every U.S. state has a similar law on top of that. Translation: a neighbor passing along an unopened, unexpired item to another neighbor is exactly the kind of activity Congress wrote these laws to protect.
Not legal advice. See our disclaimer for the full picture.
Food guidelines
- Only sealed, unopened commercial packaging (or fresh produce you grew yourself).
- Only food on or before the printed expiration / best-by date.
- No home-cooked, prepared, baked, jarred, or canned food — ever. No leftovers of any kind.
- Be transparent about condition, brand, and quantity.
- Disclose major allergens.
- No alcohol, cannabis, raw milk, supplements, or anything restricted by law.
Community guidelines
- Be respectful in messages and at pickup.
- Show up on time — or message early if you can't.
- Food is always free. No payments, tips, or gratuities are allowed between users — on the platform or off the platform.
Safety tips
- Inspect food before accepting. When in doubt, throw it out.
- Meet at the door or in well-lit areas.
- Keep all messages on the Food Finder platform.
- Use the report button if anything feels off.