Plenty food pantry · United Under God, Inc. · 501(c)(3)
Throw it away, deduct the cost. Donate it, you may deduct twice as much.
A grocery store is a business. Throw unsold food away and you deduct what you paid. Donate it to our 501(c)(3) and you may deduct the cost plus half the profit you would have made — up to twice the cost. Then people who felt that kindness come back and spend leftover money in your store.
That’s why Publix, Kroger, Walmart, and Costco already do it.
EIN 81-3554390 · A gift to Plenty is a gift to United Under God, Inc.
If you throw it away
- You only deduct what you paid for it.
- You still pay the dumpster and the hauler.
- The food is gone. Nobody sees the gift.
If you donate it to Plenty
- You may deduct up to twice the cost.
- We pick it up. Receipt in your hand.
- Neighbors remember. They come back and shop.
You paid $200. You would have sold it for $600.Dumpster write-off ≈ $200 → Donate write-off ≈ $400 — twice the costFormula: cost plus half the profit you would have received, capped at twice what you paid.
Twice the write-off
Throw it away: deduct cost. Donate wholesome food to our 501(c)(3): deduct the cost plus 50% of the profit you would have received — up to twice the cost of the product. Ask your accountant about IRC § 170(e)(3).
Kindness comes back as sales
People who feel a store’s kindness reciprocate. They walk your aisles and often spend leftover money on other items at your store — not the one down the road.
The dumpster charges you
Disposal is a fee. Donation is often cheaper per pound, and it clears the shelf for food people will pay full price for.
You are covered
Bill Emerson Act (42 U.S.C. § 1791) and O.C.G.A. § 51-1-31. Recipients sign a waiver. Gross negligence is the exception — not ordinary donation.
Not legal or tax advice. Eligibility depends on the food, your entity, and your books. Show this to your accountant.
You choose: dock pickup, a bag at customer service, or volunteers on the floor if you ask. Extra purchase is never required. People who felt the kindness often spend leftover money in your store anyway. Corporate has to say yes? Leave this page. We wait.