• Proper food handling, including temperature control and separating raw meats, is crucial to prevent health risks.
• Labeling for the nine major food allergens is essential when sharing meals to protect those with sensitivities.
• The Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act protects good-faith donors from liability, encouraging food sharing.

Feeding families strengthens our neighborhoods, especially in tough times. Whether it’s a family meal in the park, a neighborhood potluck, or sharing food from your pantry, these small acts can boost morale and build trust. While sharing food is caring, it’s important to keep safety and rules in mind.

Food safety isn’t a hurdle to generosity; it’s the foundation of trust. A heartfelt dish can pose health risks if it isn’t handled or labeled properly. Safe food handling is a shared responsibility: Wash hands and surfaces often, keep raw meats separate from ready to eat foods, and use a food thermometer to verify proper cooking and storage temperatures. Refrigerate leftovers immediately. If you travel with food, keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot using appropriate food-grade containers. If you’re not feeling well, skip cooking to protect others.


Labeling and allergen awareness matter. There are nine major food allergens that should be documented, including milk, eggs, soy, finfish, shellfish, sesame, wheat, peanuts and tree nuts. When sharing meals in public spaces such as parks or markets, local health departments may require permits. Partnering with UF/IFAS Extension can help you navigate these requirements, find permitted shared-use kitchens and learn about risk and liability surrounding food.


Know the basics of the laws that make safe food sharing possible. The Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act, passed in 1996, protects donors from liability when they give in good faith, as long as the food is wholesome and properly labeled. Thanks to this law, families, neighbors and local businesses can share extra food with those who need it. However, the law does not protect against gross negligence or intentional wrongdoing, so it’s still important to handle food with care.


What is food recovery, and why does it matter to families? Food recovery is the process of collecting and redistributing surplus edible food. It’s a vital strategy to fight hunger and reduce waste, with different roles for individuals, nonprofits and businesses. If your family is considering getting involved, start by thinking about the role you can play and how to do it well.

How families can get involved this week and beyond:

· Share or donate surplus from your garden or pantry, or volunteer with a local recovery program.

· If you’re sharing in a public space, check local requirements and partner with an organization experienced in safe, compliant food sharing.

· Start small with a simple plan for safe handling, labeling, and clear communication about what you’re sharing.

For general information about food handling basics in the home, please visit: Food Safety at Home | FDA.

Contact Outerbridge at douterbridge@ufl.edu; Brown at stephaniebrown@ufl.edu; and Hagen at jhagen@ufl.edu. David is director of UF/IFAS Extension Lee County, Jennifer is the family and consumer sciences agent with UF/IFAS Extension Lee County. Stephanie is the state specialized agent for food safety for UF/IFAS Extension.