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How Pantry Works

Surplus food goes from your kitchen to a neighbor’s table — with a tax receipt for you.

For donors: it’s four steps

From fridge to receipt in minutes.

Post surplus food in 2 minutes — a local food pantry claims it and coordinates the pickup.

1

Add your items

Add food items by scanning barcodes or typing them in. We estimate the tax value automatically.

2

Pick a local pantry

See pantries near you on a map. Choose one or let us match you.

3

Schedule pickup

Set a time window. The food pantry coordinates the pickup and works out the handoff with you by message.

4

Get your tax receipt

A professional receipt is generated automatically. Download anytime for your taxes.

For food pantries: claiming made simple

$0 cost, free forever for nonprofits — claim nearby donations and coordinate pickup in seconds.

Post your needs, claim a nearby donation, and schedule the pickup.

1

See nearby donations

A live feed shows surplus food posted by homes and businesses in your area.

2

Claim in one tap

Claim a donation before it expires — the donor is notified right away.

3

Schedule the pickup

Pick a time that works and coordinate details with the donor by message.

4

Track your impact

Pounds received and estimated meals add up on your dashboard automatically.

What if a pickup falls through?

Plans change and pickups get missed — like a delivery that doesn’t show, the food doesn’t just disappear. Here’s exactly what happens.

If you’re donating

  • A food pantry claims it but doesn’t collect it in time? It automatically goes back on the board for another nearby food pantry to claim, with a fresh pickup window — you don’t have to chase anyone.
  • No one claims it before your window closes? The post expires so it can’t send someone on a wasted trip, and you can repost it in one tap.

If you run a food pantry

  • Claimed something you can’t get to? Release it back to the board so a closer partner can grab it — no penalty, and the donor is kept in the loop.
  • Arrive and the food is already gone or spoiled? Message the donor right from the donation, and flag the listing so we can follow up. Repeated no-shows get reviewed.

Pantry is early and volunteer-coordinated, so we’re honest that timing isn’t guaranteed. These safeguards exist so a missed pickup is a small hiccup, not a loss.