Be sure to check with the local Food Banks:
I was sent this by a ward member who had read about our "Free Food" ads.
"Last week my company did a service project at the United Food Bank. Per the government standards, if the can is clean / shiny / not bulging then the food within is deemed good for 5 to 6 years past expiration date. The food bank can only utilize the canned goods if there is also pre-printed nutritional information from the manufacturer on the can. (No home-canned goods allowed.)
I know that I have thrown out food that was only a year past the expiration date. If I had known, I could have donated the food and helped feed some hungry neighbors. The Food Bank is always in need of donations. What a great way to help the community and clean out our pantries." Merilee Fuller
So if you are thinking of throwing away, make a phone call first. Maybe we can put together a car pool of free, expired food. Humanitarian rings a bell to me. :)
