While donations are typically made out of generosity, a post from one Oregon pantry worker may make some people think twice. Posting on r/mildlyinfuriating, user 4patchquilt shared photos of “seasonings expired by several decades” that the pantry had received. Because the pantry’s deliveries are measured by weight, donations like these can reduce the amount of usable food they are able to distribute, 4patchquilt explained.
In the Reddit post, the original poster shared photos of Mapleine flavoring from 1979 and Cream of Tartar that expired in 2008. With the post receiving thousands of upvotes and hundreds of comments, it’s clear that many people are equally frustrated by donations of such outdated items.
“Someone is clearing out a parent’s or grandparent’s kitchen after they passed away or moved into assisted living,” one user observed.
“The weight measurement is the real kick in the teeth,” another wrote. “Someone literally received less food this week because Grandma’s 1979 maple flavoring had to count as ‘a donation.’”
Dozens of people echoed similar concerns, arguing that such food donations do more harm than good. “This is vile. I understand that many seasonings can last for years, but it’s absurd to think you’re helping someone by giving them 40-year-old food. Nasty people,” a third person remarked.
Even If the Products Are Labeled “Edible,” OP Says They’re Not Worth the Risk
On the other hand, many people defended the donation, arguing that spices and seasonings “don’t really expire.” Fortunately, 4patchquilt was quick to push back in the comments, offering clear, experience-based explanations drawn from their work at the food pantry.
“As spices age, they lose flavor—but that’s only part of the concern. There are also broader issues related to moisture or other contamination entering the container. In addition, regulations governing flavors and additives have changed significantly over time,” 4patchquilt wrote.
OP continued, “Regardless of whether you would personally eat them, we cannot distribute them to our clients because they are too old.” They also noted that while condiments such as tartar sauce might not necessarily make someone seriously ill, they still are not worth the potential 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.”
