Finding Food
Updated: February 9, 2026

Tips for Accepting Donated Food for Consumers

Understanding Date Labels -- Best If Used By; Expires On; Sell By...

Except for infant formula, federal regulations do NOT require date labels. Many other foods may be safe to eat long after the date on the package.

Learn more in the video below.

Understanding Food Date Labels - From NourishNet

Comprender las etiquetas de fecha en Espanol

Yes, food can be donated after the date passes

  • Apple and Android App - Save good food from going to waste
  • Infant formula storage on page 4
  • Food product labeling
  • Home-canned foods should be used within 1 year
  • Commercially processed high-acid canned foods such as tomatoes and other fruit will keep their best quality up to 18 months
  • Commercially processed low-acid canned foods such as meat and vegetables, 2 to 5 years
USDA X post June 13, 2020 on Food Labels
Food Labels Demysitified: "Sell by" tells the store how long to display the product; "Best if used by" denotes best flavor or quality, but not a purchase or safety day; and "Use by" is the last date for peak quality of the product as determined by the manufacturer.

Additional Resources

  • App Too Good To Go - Save good food from going to waste, connecting consumers to food businesses, and food businesses to consumers
  • Eat or Toss - Is it OK to eat? Find peace of mind. Avoid wasting food. EatOrToss.com features a database of images of foods that might not seem quite right, alongside quick answers and in-depth explanations of what's going on with the food. EatOrToss also offers a database of recipes that use commonly wasted items and help save money.
  • Food Fix - Food Fix to be the go-to source for food policy news and analysis, for insiders and consumers alike.
  • Gopuff - Accepts SNAP, and recipients may find other benefits.

Holiday Food Safety Tips

Healthy Cooking for the Holidays Meal on a table
Use these resources when cooking a large holiday meal for your family.