Home Prepared Foods can only be accepted from volunteers who have obtained a Food Handler Card.  > LEARN MORE

Exceptions:

According to Multnomah County Environmental Health the following are approved foods for donating and serving at Potluck without obtaining a Food Handler Card, as dictated by State Health Division Food Sanitation Rules:

• Food donated by or purchased from a restaurant, grocery store or other licensed commercial establishment and brought directly to Potluck or another licensed facility.
• Home-baked bread, rolls, pies, cakes, doughnuts or pastries not having perishable fillings, icings, toppings or glazes.
• Whole, uncut fresh fruits or vegetables from private gardens or commercial growers.
• Food that is purchased and then prepared on-site at Potluck.
• Food prepared at a licensed facility and brought directly to Potluck.

What is a “licensed facility”?

A “licensed facility” is a facility that is licensed and inspected by your county Health Department or the Oregon Department of Agriculture. Restaurants, groceries and catering establishments will all be licensed facilities. Most importantly, for your purposes, many churches have licensed kitchens. You will need to ask if yours is.

What is considered to be a “perishable filling, etc.”?

Anything that requires refrigeration is perishable. Examples that will be important to Christmas dinner: fruit pies are acceptable; pumpkin or custard filled pies are not.

Can store-bought food that is already prepared be stored and/or heated at home?

Only pre-packaged non-perishable food items. Refrigerated products should go directly from one licensed facility to Potluck or another licensed facility.

What can be prepared on-site at Potluck?

Salads and sandwiches or other cold items are the examples that come to mind. Potluck will have adequate cold storage and a handwash station. At this time we do not anticipate doing any cooking on-site.

Food Service & Commercial Donation Information

Potluck in the Park welcomes food donations from restaurants, grocers, caterers, and community partners who want to help feed our neighbors in need.

Under the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act, donors are protected from liability when giving food in good faith to nonprofit organizations. This federal law encourages food recovery and sharing by assuring that anyone donating apparently wholesome food — whether prepared, perishable, or packaged — is safeguarded from legal risk except in cases of intentional misconduct or gross negligence.

Your surplus food can make a real difference. Whether it’s an overstock from a grocery order, excess catering from an event, or produce that won’t be sold before its “best by” date, Potluck in the Park can help ensure it reaches people who need it most instead of going to waste.

If you’d like to discuss a donation, please reach out through our contact form or email us at potluck@potluckinthepark.org — we’re happy to help coordinate safe and timely pickup or drop-off.