Does Plan Zheroes collect or transport food?

No. Plan Zheroes provides a system to help connect donors with distributors, charities and community projects that can benefit from surplus food.

Can food manufacturers donate?

Food manufacturers are encouraged to donate foods that may not meet their specifications for reasons that do not affect food safety, such as package printing errors, shape or any other reason but are still perfectly safe to eat.

Is surplus food the same as food waste?

Not at all! Surplus food occurs when too much food is produced and cannot be sold, or when a supplier or manufacturer sends too much to a business that ordered it. However, in many cases it is mixed up with food waste, most likely because there is no system in place to deal with it sustainably.

Can packaged foods that need refrigeration be donated?

Yes! The donation of refrigerated food is welcomed.

What about fresh produce?

All fresh produce is suitable for donation. Good practice and current legislation must be observed to ensure the products supplied remain safe and legal.

What about perishable foods that are past the “best before” date?

Perishable foods kept past the original manufacturer’s “best before” date can be donated, but not foods which are past their “use by” date. “Best before” dates generally indicate the manufacturer’s suggested period for peak quality, and the food may be perfectly safe for consumption after this date.

What are the food donors’ liabilities?

You’ll be asked to sign Plan Zheroes’ Food Donor Agreement when you create your online account. Each food donation you post on our platform is covered by our Food Donation and Collection Agreement with the charity accepting that donation. This agreement covers the safe handling of the food and liability for the food transfers from Donor to Receiver at the point of collection.

What are my liabilities as a food recipient?

You’ll be asked to sign Plan Zheroes’ Charity Agreement when you create your account. The donations of food you claim online are covered by our Food Donation and Collection agreement with each business you collect food from. This agreement covers the safe handling of the food and liability for the food transfers from Donor to Receiver at the point of collection.