Rally Cat's Cupboard is accepting unopened, non-expired food items. However, there can be different food labels on different items. To help as you are clearing out your pantry and getting donations, here is a breakdown of what can and cannot be accepted at Rally Cat's Cupboard.
Expiration Date: If you have a product with an expired expiration date, throw it out. While other dating terms are used as a basic guideline, this one is absolute. Items past their expiration date cannot be accepted at Rally Cat's Cupboard.
Best if Used-By and Use-By date: “Use-By” or "Best if Used-By” dates are a suggestion for when the food item will be at its best quality. Food is generally safe if consumed past this date, but may have deteriorated in flavor, texture, or appearance. “Use By” dates are most often found on canned goods, dry goods, condiments, or other shelf stable items. The Food and Drug Administration is supporting the food industry’s efforts to standardize the use of this on its packaged food labeling. Items past their “Best if Used By” or “Use By” dates can be accepted by Rally Cat's Cupboard.
Sell-By date: Many fresh or prepared foods are labeled with a “Sell-By” date as a guide for how long the item should be displayed for sale before quality deteriorates. Items are generally safe for consumption after this date, but may begin to lose flavor or eye appeal. “Sell-By” dates are chosen with the assumption that the buyer may store or eat the item a few days after purchase. To be sure your food is fresh and will keep at home, it is best not to buy items that are past their “sell by” date. Items past their “Sell By” date can be accepted by Rally Cat's Cupboard.
Guaranteed Fresh: This date is often used for perishable baked goods. Beyond this date, freshness is no longer guaranteed, although it may still be edible. Items past their “Guaranteed Fresh” date can be accepted by Rally Cat's Cupboard.
(Taken from UCONN College of Agricultue, Health and Natural Resources Extension News, 2019)
Follow this link if you would like to learn more about best by, use by, expiration, and other food label dates while looking through your pantries.