“Safe and nutritious food for all: A needs assessment about the quality of donations and food safety behavior in food pantries and sharing cabinets”

This cross-sectional mixed-methods study assessed the needs for healthy food donations and food safety considerations in 29 pantries and 5 sharing cabinets in New York, through a survey and field assessments. Variables included accessibility and acceptability of healthy foods, donation challenges, and expiration date practices. Participants prioritized healthy foods; results showed a demand for fresh produce (72%), low-fat milk (10%), and whole grains (7%). Checking expiration dates was considered important (100%). The most frequently observed positive condition was the absence of perishable, homemade, or unlabeled items (86%). Training and coordinated efforts are needed to promote safe, effective, and equitable food donations.