The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit wants you to double-check before donating to a food bank.
The health unit says if you plan on donating to a food bank near you, you should call them ahead to see what products they may need.
Because food banks are also governed by food safety legislation, they cannot accept products that have been home canned, damaged, or had its expiry date pass.
The health unit also reminds you that food banks can accept food that’s been prepared in an inspected business as part as a community meal program, as long as the meal hasn’t been partially consumed, is packaged properly and doesn’t show any signs of thawing.
For more information on local food banks, click here.