Retail pricing and food donations to a regional food bank in the United States

Purpose This study examines the associations between retailer pricing strategies and the volume of surplus food donated to a regional food bank in the United States. This study fills a gap by analysing how firm-level pricing decisions influence food recovery efforts. The goal is to provide insights for charitable organisations and policymakers seeking to increase food donations and reduce waste. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 52 US retailers over a two-year period and analysed using both ordinary least squares and random effects models. The models tested the relationship between average product pricing and the weight of food donated. Findings Results indicate that retailers with higher-priced products tend to donate greater quantities of surplus food, even after accounting for store size. This relationship is consistent across model specifications, suggesting that pricing strategies are a meaningful predictor of donation behaviour. Practical implications For food charities operating with limited resources, this research offers a valuable tool for prioritising partnerships. Understanding which retailers are more likely to donate in large volumes can help organisations optimise logistics and outreach. Social implications At the policy level, these findings contribute to broader conversations about how to incentivise food donations. By identifying pricing as a relevant factor, this study offers practical guidance for encouraging retailer participation in food recovery programs. Originality/value This study is one of the first to empirically link retail pricing strategies with food donation behaviour, offering actionable insights that support both environmental sustainability and food security.