Restaurants donating excess food to charity?

Question

i heard that restaurants used to donate their excess food at the end of the day to charities and soup kitchens and things like that, but one day one of the people got a stale bagel or something and they sued the restaurant that donated it, and won. any one know if this ever happened or what the rules are people follow for donating food to charities? thanks.

Answer 1

They did when I used to work at the Olive garden. I imagine that all restaurants in Darden company do so too.

Answer 2

I know that Panera Bread does. All of their left over breads and pastries are donated to a local charity/homeless shelter.  

Answer 3

There are laws now in most cities and/or states that do not allow prepared food to be donated to shelters.  The "shelf life" of prepared foods is VERY low...after two hours it would really no longer be safe to eat!  Unfortunate, but true...

Answer 4

This has happened which is why restaurants have STOPPED donating leftover food to charities.

If restaurants do choose to donate, they prepare the food on location. Food made then delivered will not be happening again.