1. Platform Role
FoodBridge is a technology platform connecting food donors with nonprofit recipients. We provide tools that facilitate coordination between food providers (restaurants, grocery stores, caterers, and other food businesses) and nonprofit organizations that distribute food to people in need.
FoodBridge does not handle, inspect, store, or transport food. We are solely a communication and coordination platform. We make no representation about the quality, safety, or fitness of any food listed on this platform.
2. Not a Medical or Food Safety Service
FoodBridge makes no warranties, express or implied, about the safety, quality, nutritional value, or suitability of any food listed on this platform. We do not provide food safety advice, dietary guidance, or medical recommendations.
Donors and recipients are solely responsible for compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local food safety laws, including but not limited to the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), applicable NC Department of Agriculture regulations, and local health department rules.
3. Liability Protection
Good-faith food donation is protected under federal and state law:
- Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act (42 U.S.C. § 1791) — Protects food donors and nonprofit organizations from civil and criminal liability when donating food in good faith to a nonprofit for ultimate distribution to needy individuals, provided the donation meets certain standards of apparent wholesomeness.
- NC Gen. Stat. § 99B-10 — Provides additional liability protection to donors of food and grocery products under North Carolina law, shielding good-faith donors from civil liability for injuries arising from donated food.
These protections apply when donors and recipients act in good faith and comply with the responsibilities outlined in these Terms.
4. Donor Responsibilities
By posting a food listing, donors certify that:
- The food is apparently wholesome — it meets all quality and labeling standards even though it may not be readily marketable due to appearance, age, freshness, grade, size, surplus, or other conditions.
- The food has been properly stored at safe temperatures prior to donation.
- The food is free from known contamination or adulteration.
- The food is being donated in good faith for distribution to individuals in need.
❌ Never donate:
- Recalled products or items subject to any food safety alert
- Home-canned or home-cooked foods prepared in non-licensed facilities
- Food that has been left in the temperature danger zone (40°F–140°F / 4°C–60°C) for more than 2 hours
- Food with broken, damaged, or tampered seals or packaging
- Baby formula past its expiration date
- Food showing signs of pest contamination or spoilage
- Alcohol or controlled substances
5. Recipient Responsibilities
Organizations receiving food through FoodBridge agree to:
- Inspect all food upon pickup before distribution to beneficiaries.
- Reject and properly dispose of any food that appears unsafe, spoiled, improperly stored, or otherwise unfit for consumption.
- Handle and distribute food in full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local food safety laws and health codes.
- Distribute food free of charge to individuals in need, as required by the Good Samaritan Food Donation Act.
- Maintain their status as a registered nonprofit organization in good standing under applicable law.
Recipients must be registered nonprofit entities (501(c)(3) or equivalent) that distribute food directly to individuals or families in need. Commercial resale of donated food is strictly prohibited.
6. Prohibited Items
The following items may not be listed or donated through FoodBridge under any circumstances:
- Home-canned foods or home-cooked foods prepared outside of a licensed commercial kitchen
- Alcoholic beverages
- Products subject to any active FDA, USDA, or state recall
- Food with broken, open, or tampered seals or packaging
- Infant formula or baby food past its printed expiration or "use by" date
- Food with visible evidence of pest infestation, mold, or significant spoilage
- Prescription medications, supplements, or controlled substances
7. Account Terms
- Providers must be a legitimate food business (restaurant, grocery store, caterer, food manufacturer, or similar) operating in compliance with all applicable food service licenses and regulations.
- Recipients must be a registered nonprofit organization authorized to receive and distribute donated food under applicable law.
- One account per organization. Creating multiple accounts for the same organization or misrepresenting your organization type is grounds for immediate account termination.
- You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activity that occurs under your account.
- FoodBridge reserves the right to suspend or terminate any account found to be in violation of these Terms, at our sole discretion.
8. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, FoodBridge, its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates shall not be liable for:
- Any foodborne illness, allergic reaction, or personal injury arising from donated food
- Any food quality issues, spoilage, contamination, or unsafeness of donated food
- Any harm arising from the consumption or distribution of food listed on this platform
- Any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages
- Any loss of data, revenue, or business arising from use of this platform
Our total liability to you for any claim arising from these Terms or your use of FoodBridge shall not exceed the amount you paid to FoodBridge (if any) in the 12 months preceding the claim.
9. Governing Law
These Terms of Service are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of North Carolina, United States of America, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.
Any disputes arising out of or related to these Terms or your use of FoodBridge shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in Cabarrus County, North Carolina.
10. Contact
If you have questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us at:
We aim to respond to all inquiries within 2 business days.