Food Safety & Allergy Waiver

1. Nature of Our Food Programs

Seed & Spoon NJ operates community-based food programs that include:

• Surplus food rescue: We collect unsold or excess food from grocery stores, bakeries, restaurants, farms, and food banks that would otherwise go to waste
• Donated food items: We receive donations from individuals, organizations, and businesses
• Prepared meals: Meals are prepared by trained volunteers in community kitchens, homes, or partner facilities
• Grocery boxes: Pre-packed boxes containing a mix of fresh produce, pantry staples, and other items

While we follow food safety best practices, our food comes from diverse sources and is handled in various environments. This means we cannot guarantee the same level of control as commercial food production facilities.

2. No Guarantee of Allergen-Free Meals

We cannot guarantee that any food we provide is free from allergens.

Our food may be prepared or packaged in environments that also handle common allergens. Cross-contact can occur during food preparation, packaging, transport, and distribution—even when allergens are not listed as ingredients.

If you or anyone in your household has food allergies, sensitivities, or dietary restrictions, it is your responsibility to carefully review all food before consumption and use your best judgment about whether it is safe for you.

3. Common Allergens

Food we provide may contain or have come into contact with the following common allergens:

• Milk and dairy products
• Eggs
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews, etc.)
• Soy
• Wheat and gluten
• Fish
• Shellfish
• Sesame

Ingredient lists may not always be available for rescued or donated food items. When possible, we provide labels or ingredient information, but this information may be incomplete.

4. Participant Responsibilities

Disclose Allergies and Dietary Restrictions

If you have allergies or dietary needs, please inform us when you apply for services or pick up food. While we will make reasonable efforts to accommodate your needs when possible, we cannot guarantee allergen-free options.

Inspect Food Before Consumption

You are responsible for:

• Checking all food items for freshness, quality, and safety
• Reading labels and ingredient lists when available
• Looking for signs of spoilage, damage, or tampering
• Discarding any food that appears unsafe or questionable
• Using your best judgment about whether food is appropriate for you and your household

Ask Questions

If you are unsure about an ingredient, preparation method, or food safety concern, please ask our volunteers or staff. We will provide information to the best of our knowledge, but we may not always have complete details about rescued or donated items.

5. Safe Handling, Reheating, and Storage

To reduce the risk of foodborne illness:

• Refrigerate perishable items immediately upon arriving home
• Reheat prepared meals to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C)
• Consume refrigerated prepared meals within 3-4 days or freeze for longer storage
• Follow any reheating or storage instructions provided with your food
• Wash fresh produce thoroughly before eating
• Do not consume food past its expiration date or "use by" date
• Keep raw meats separate from ready-to-eat foods

6. Assumption of Risk

By accepting food from Seed & Spoon NJ, you acknowledge and accept the following risks:

• Risk of allergic reactions, including severe or life-threatening reactions
• Risk of foodborne illness from improper handling, storage, or preparation
• Risk that food may not meet your specific dietary, religious, or cultural preferences
• Risk that ingredient information may be incomplete or unavailable

You assume full responsibility for any consequences that may result from consuming food provided by Seed & Spoon NJ. This includes, but is not limited to, allergic reactions, foodborne illness, or adverse health effects.

7. Emergency Procedures

If you or someone in your household experiences an allergic reaction or becomes ill after consuming food from Seed & Spoon NJ:

• Seek immediate medical attention by calling 911 or going to the nearest emergency room, especially for severe allergic reactions
• Follow your healthcare provider's instructions and use any prescribed medications (such as an EpiPen)
• After receiving medical care, please notify us at seedandspoonnj@gmail.com so we can review our procedures and take appropriate action

8. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Seed & Spoon NJ, its directors, officers, volunteers, staff, and partner organizations are not liable for any injury, illness, allergic reaction, or other harm that may result from consuming food we provide.

This includes, but is not limited to, harm caused by:

• Allergens present in food
• Foodborne pathogens or contamination
• Improper handling, storage, or preparation by participants
• Incomplete or inaccurate ingredient information
• Food that has passed its expiration date

By accepting food from us, you agree to release and hold harmless Seed & Spoon NJ and all affiliated parties from any claims, damages, or liabilities related to food consumption.

9. Good Samaritan Food Donation Act

Seed & Spoon NJ operates in accordance with the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act, which protects food donors and nonprofit organizations from liability when donating food in good faith to those in need.

We work diligently to ensure food safety and quality, but we rely on the cooperation and good judgment of participants to use food responsibly.

10. Questions or Concerns

If you have questions about food safety, allergens, or this waiver, please contact us:

Seed & Spoon NJ
Email: seedandspoonnj@gmail.com

We are committed to transparency and will do our best to address your concerns promptly.