While donations are usually done out of generosity, one Oregon pantry worker’s post might make people think otherwise. Posting to r/mildlyinfuriating, 4patchquilt shared pictures of ‘seasonings expired by several decades’ they received. Since all of the pantry’s deliveries are measured by weight, these sorts of donations actively decrease the amount of food they can distribute, 4patchquilt claims.
In the Reddit post, OP shows Mapleine flavoring from 1979 and Cream of Tartar that expired in 2008. With the post gaining thousands of upvotes and hundreds of comments, it’s clear many people aren’t happy that such donations are being made either.
“Someone’s clearing out their parents or grandparents kitchen after they passed away or went to assisted living,” remarked one user. “The weight measurement part is the real kick in the teeth,” wrote another. “Someone literally got less food this week because grandma’s 1979 maple flavoring had to count as ‘a donation.’”
Dozens upon dozens shared similar sentiments about how such food donations hurt the cause rather than make a positive difference. “This is vile. I know that a lot of seasoning doesn’t go bad for years, but it’s ridiculous to think you’re helping someone by giving them 40yo food. Nasty people,” remarked a third.
Even If the Products Are ‘Edible,’ OP Argues They Aren’t Worth the Risk
On the flip side, there were plenty of people defending the donation, claiming that spices and seasonings “don’t actually expire.” Fortunately, 4patchquilt was more than willing to actively argue their claims in the comments, with clear explanations based on their expertise at the food pantry.
“Aging spices lose flavor, but more than that. It’s general concerns about moisture or other contamination in the container. Plus, a lot of regulations regarding flavors and additives have changed over time,” 4patchquilt wrote.
OP continued, “Regardless of whether you personally would eat them, we cannot distribute them to our clients because they are too old.” They also added how seasonings like tartar might not make someone dreadfully sick per se, but it’s also not worth the health risk.
One commenter said that donations like 4patchquilt’s post are why they strongly believe that food banks and charities that ask for cash deserve attention. Whether it’s worn-down clothes or unusable food, “People really give stuff like this and think they’ve done a good thing,” they explained; whereas they actually “just moved trash around.”
