Read our 2022 report here

MEANS Database recovered over 2.9 million pounds of food in 2022! Read our full report to learn more.

New Year, New MEANS

Where technology and people come together as one.

133 billion pounds of food are thrown out annually

Donating to nearby nonprofits can save food donors money with tax deductions while feeding those in need in their communities.

Donating Is Fast, Easy, and Safe

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Always Free to Donate

Donating food via MEANS is always 100% free. We believe that it should be easier and cheaper to donate your unsold food than to throw it away. Premium features are available, but donating is always free.

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Available Nationwide

MEANS has users in 50 states and the District of Columbia, so you can donate anywhere! If we don’t have users in your region, don’t worry. As soon as you sign up, our outreach team will begin recruiting around you to make sure we have partners nearby.

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Find a Recipient Fast

On average, donations are claimed within an hour, meaning you can find a home for your donation before your staff is finished closing for the night. We've had prepared food claimed in under three minutes!

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3000+ Partner Organizations

We work with over 3000 partners throughout the United States. These users are food banks, food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and houses of worship. We verify their eligibility to receive tax-deductible donations so donors don’t have to.

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Protected From Liability

Donations of "apparently wholesome food" donated in "good faith" to a "nonprofit organization" are protected by the Bill Emerson Food Donation Act. We verify our partners' nonprofit status, protecting you from liability.

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Enhanced Tax Deduction

If you donate unsold food, you are eligible for a larger tax deduction than if you throw it out. At the end of the tax year, MEANS helps you download all the information you need to claim your enhanced tax deduction.

Our Partners Love Us

The event was a rainy day, so our projected assistance was not where we thought it would be, and we had to find a way to get rid of 3600 lunch bags ... in a few hours those bags were claimed ... If we did not have the MEANS Database, the food would have gone in the dumpster.

River Jordan Project

Accokeek, Maryland

We partnered with MEANS Database to donate excess goat meat and Lavosh bread to the food pantry of Pennsylvania Avenue Church. MEANS makes it easier for organizations like ours, which produce massive amounts of food, to deliver them to those in need by reducing food waste.

Herrington on the Bay

North Beach, MD

Many thanks to MEANS Database and Coca-Cola for donating EIGHT PALETTES from Vitamin Water and Powerade! It has already helped many homeless people and will continue to do so on a daily basis ... this donation will provide the much needed hydration for those who live on the streets.

LA on Cloud 9

Los Angeles, CA

As a frontline worker, I have seen first-hand how your program has assisted our community. Over the winter, we operated as an overnight warming center many times. Because of you, we were able to offer both a safe place to sleep as well as a nutritious hot meal. Prevention Point remained open throughout the entire pandemic, and your program eased some of the stress and strain of that difficult time.

Prevention Point

Philadelphia, PA

The event was amazing! [The Restaurant] has some awesome employees that even stayed a little while, took some pictures and helped us serve. The community was so excited about the Homemade Chicken Tamales and the cornbread. One of the individuals living under the bridge said this was the best meal he has had in a long time. Thank you so much for everything!

Marillac St. Vincent

Chicago, IL

Receiving Donations Is Free, Customizable, and Simple

Free for Life for Nonprofits

Our nonprofit partners will never be charged for claiming food via MEANS. You shouldn't have to pay for donated food when you're serving those in need.

Only Receive What You Need

We won't drop food off on your doorstep that you can't use. When you create your account you tell us what kind of food you typically need and we only contact you about those. Then, you claim an item to be clear you want it!

Mobile Friendly

Volunteers are always on the run! MEANS website is mobile friendly, ensuring a smooth experience no matter where you are. We offer customizable text and email alerts so you can claim food on the go.

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(202) 449-1507

[email protected]

4410 Massachusetts Ave NW #397

Washington, DC 20016