Food Donation FAQs

Whether you're dropping off a few items, organizing a food drive or donating a large quantity of food, we've answered common questions below to help you prepare a safe and successful donation.

Need a quick answer? Contact our donation coordinators at 512-282-2111 ext. 1403 or email fooddrive@centraltexasfoodbank.org.

Hosting a Food Drive?

For collections under approximately 1,500 pounds, we encourage adding a Virtual Food Drive to maximize your impact. Virtual Food Drives collect funds instead of cans and boxes, giving the Food Bank flexibility to purchase the foods most needed by Central Texas neighbors.

Start a Virtual Food Drive

Already Have Food to Donate?

Individual Food Donations

Food donations under 1,500 pounds, or about two standard pickup truck beds, are considered individual donations. These donations may be delivered directly to the Central Texas Food Bank or to one of our nonprofit community partners.

Drop Off at the Central Texas Food Bank

Location
6500 Metropolis Drive
Austin, TX 78744

Please enter from Burleson Road and proceed through the black gate to the warehouse loading dock. Donation bins are located at Docks 8, 9 and 10.

Donation Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

No appointment is necessary, and donations do not need to be weighed before arriving.

Download a donation receipt.

Safety Reminder: Please wear closed-toe shoes while dropping off donations and observe the 5 mph speed limit around the loading dock.

Donate Through a Community Partner

You may also donate directly to one of our nonprofit community partners. Because partner hours vary, we recommend calling before delivering your donation.

Find a nearby pantry or donation location.

Large Food Donations

For food donations over 1,500 pounds, contact our team to schedule a pickup. Please ensure all donations are packed in cardboard boxes with sturdy bottoms or strong bags that will not tear or tip over.

Contact our donation coordinators Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. at 512-282-2111 ext. 1404.

Donation Questions

What counts as an individual food donation?

Food donations under 1,500 pounds, or about two standard pickup truck beds, are considered individual donations. We ask that individual donations be delivered directly to the Central Texas Food Bank or one of our nonprofit community partners.

How do I know if I have a large donation?

We consider 1,500 pounds to be more than what can fit into two standard pickup trucks. If using Central Texas Food Bank branded boxes, 1,500 pounds is roughly 10 boxes.

Large donations should be coordinated with our team so we can safely plan transportation and handling.

What foods are needed most?

We are most able to use healthy, shelf-stable foods in intact, unopened packaging. Please avoid glass containers whenever possible.

• Peanut butter
• Canned chicken breast or tuna
• Low-sodium canned vegetables
• Canned fruit in its own juice
• Dry pinto beans
• Brown rice
• Non-fat dry milk powder
• 100% whole grain cereal
• Dry pasta
• Tomato sauce
• Canned tomatoes
• Canned entrees

Download our Most Needed Items List.

What donations can’t be accepted?

• Non-food items
• Ice packs
• Opened packages
• Hand sanitizer, face masks or other PPE supplies

Can I donate refrigerated or frozen food?

Yes, but we may not always be able to accept it. If you're not sure, please call the donations team before arriving.

How can I donate fresh produce?

Please clean fresh produce before donating and remove items that are overly ripe, bruised, moldy or damaged. Package produce securely so it will not bruise during transport.

Can I donate food I prepared?

Prepared food can only be accepted if it was made in a commercially licensed kitchen that is up to code. Prepared food must be packaged and labeled with an expiration date and ingredients.

How should I package my donation?

Please pack donations in cardboard boxes with sturdy bottoms or strong bags that will not tear or tip over. Central Texas Food Bank boxes may be picked up at our warehouse Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Food Safety and Shelf Life

Use the guide below to determine whether donated food is still safe to distribute. These guidelines help ensure every donation meets food safety standards.

Food Item	Shelf Life After Code Date
Shelf Stable
Canned goods, low acidity	3 years
Canned goods, high acidity	18 months
Dry beans, rice, pasta, ramen	2 years
Boxed or bagged goods, including cereal and crackers	1 year
Sauces, condiments and dressings	1 year
Beverages	1 year
Chips	2 months
Mayonnaise or cream-based items	3 months
Baby food or adult formula	Discard after date
Frozen
Assorted meats or poultry	2 months
Fruit and vegetables	6 months
Ice cream	2 months
Dairy/Cooler
Juice	3 weeks
Milk	1 week
Cheese	1 week for soft cheese; 1 month for hard cheese
Eggs	3 weeks
Yogurt, sour cream and dips	2 weeks
Salsa or pesto	Discard after date
Hummus	1 week
Prepared dishes or meals	3 days
Salads	3 days
Produce
Packaged produce	Discard if moldy, slimy, overly soft or discolored
Cut produce	Discard if moldy, slimy, overly soft or discolored
Bread/Pastry
Fresh bread or pastries	4 days
Frozen bread or pastries	1 month
Items containing cream	Discard if not kept refrigerated or frozen

Download the printable food safety guide.

Hunters for the Hungry

Hunters can help nourish Central Texas neighbors by donating legally tagged, field-dressed whitetail or mule deer through participating processors. Processed venison helps provide nutritious protein to families across Texas.

Hunters for the Hungry cannot accept feral hog donations due to state and federal health regulations.

Learn about Hunters for the Hungry.

Questions? Contact our donation team.

Still Have Questions?

Contact our donation coordinators at 512-282-2111 ext. 1403 or email fooddrive@centraltexasfoodbank.org.