Their previous ad was that you get two free boxes of Cheese Nips when you
buy 3, 12 pack Coke products. We don't eat Cheese Nips but I figured I
would give some to a person I know who needs assistance at the moment and
then donate more to the food bank. Brought home 2 boxes. Husband
immediately ate one. Okay then. I guess we *do* eat them!

Went to other Albertsons to repeat the deal. Remembered the amount needed
to buy incorrectly and had picked up 4 Coke products. Realized the mistake
when I got to the cracker aisle. Oh well. Grabbed 4 boxes of crackers then
2 more Coke products.

Forgot to pull out the crackers to put in the donation bin. It was cold
outside and I didn't feel like going back. Took one box into the dance
studio and offered it to a person who has two boys who eat like horses. She
took it.

Got the other three boxes home and only then checked the date on them. They
expired on the 19th! Food bank would not take them and I also felt bad for
giving the other box away like that although if one of her guys found it, it
is probably already long gone. Heh! Then decided to check the remaining
box in our house. It expires on the 24th. Guess I need to check all dates
on things, even on free stuff.

Went back today to see if they had more Cranberry Sprite Zero. They did not
but they did have fresh crackers. But they also had a few that expired on
the 19th and I accidentally picked one up. Mentioned this to the cashier
and said I was going back for fresh ones. Also mentioned the 4 that I got
yesterday. She told me to return them, no questions asked! Wouldn't be
hard to prove that I got them there even without my receipt because I am in
there all the time. So they exchanged them for fresh ones and I was able to
make a donation. Donated 6, gave 2 away and still have one in the
house.

On Wednesday, November 20, 2013 1:59:44 AM UTC-7, Julie Bove wrote:
> Their previous ad was that you get two free boxes of Cheese Nips when you
>
> buy 3, 12 pack Coke products. We don't eat Cheese Nips but I figured I
>
> would give some to a person I know who needs assistance at the moment and
>
> then donate more to the food bank. Brought home 2 boxes. Husband
>
> immediately ate one. Okay then. I guess we *do* eat them!
>
>
>
> Went to other Albertsons to repeat the deal. Remembered the amount needed
>
> to buy incorrectly and had picked up 4 Coke products. Realized the mistake
>
> when I got to the cracker aisle. Oh well. Grabbed 4 boxes of crackers then
>
> 2 more Coke products.
>
>
>
> Forgot to pull out the crackers to put in the donation bin. It was cold
>
> outside and I didn't feel like going back. Took one box into the dance
>
> studio and offered it to a person who has two boys who eat like horses. She
>
> took it.
>
>
>
> Got the other three boxes home and only then checked the date on them. They
>
> expired on the 19th! Food bank would not take them and I also felt bad for
>
> giving the other box away like that although if one of her guys found it, it
>
> is probably already long gone. Heh! Then decided to check the remaining
>
> box in our house. It expires on the 24th. Guess I need to check all dates
>
> on things, even on free stuff.
>
>
>
> Went back today to see if they had more Cranberry Sprite Zero. They did not
>
> but they did have fresh crackers. But they also had a few that expired on
>
> the 19th and I accidentally picked one up. Mentioned this to the cashier
>
> and said I was going back for fresh ones. Also mentioned the 4 that I got
>
> yesterday. She told me to return them, no questions asked! Wouldn't be
>
> hard to prove that I got them there even without my receipt because I am in
>
> there all the time. So they exchanged them for fresh ones and I was able to
>
> make a donation. Donated 6, gave 2 away and still have one in the
>
> house.

Expiry date means very little...you are throwing away perfectly acceptable
product. What a waste of money to chuck food that could be used with
no consequences. Perishables are a different matter and even there common
sense should prevail.

On Wed, 20 Nov 2013 11:26:36 -0800 (PST), Roy >
wrote:

> Expiry date means very little...you are throwing away perfectly acceptable
> product. What a waste of money to chuck food that could be used with
> no consequences. Perishables are a different matter and even there common
> sense should prevail.

She's been told that before, but it never seems to sink in.

--
Food is an important part of a balanced diet.

On 11/20/2013 3:36 PM, sf wrote:
> On Wed, 20 Nov 2013 11:26:36 -0800 (PST), Roy >
> wrote:
>
>> Expiry date means very little...you are throwing away perfectly acceptable
>> product. What a waste of money to chuck food that could be used with
>> no consequences. Perishables are a different matter and even there common
>> sense should prevail.
>
> She's been told that before, but it never seems to sink in.
>
No, it doesn't sink in. That magic date means nothing other than CYA
(cover your ass). If they were a year old, maybe. But unless those
boxes of crackers were opened there probably wasn't a thing wrong with them.

She said, "We don't eat Cheese Nips but I figured I would give some to a
person I know who needs assistance at the moment..."

Yes, indeed. Because people who need assistance with things like food
really *need* Cheese Nips.

Jill

On 2013-11-20 21:01:21 +0000, jmcquown said:

> On 11/20/2013 3:36 PM, sf wrote:
>> On Wed, 20 Nov 2013 11:26:36 -0800 (PST), Roy >
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Expiry date means very little...you are throwing away perfectly acceptable
>>> product. What a waste of money to chuck food that could be used with
>>> no consequences. Perishables are a different matter and even there common
>>> sense should prevail.
>>
>> She's been told that before, but it never seems to sink in.
>>
> No, it doesn't sink in. That magic date means nothing other than CYA
> (cover your ass). If they were a year old, maybe. But unless those
> boxes of crackers were opened there probably wasn't a thing wrong with
> them.

The date means nothing except "add a year" then? My wife is quick to
check dates, and we volley back and forth between "Sell by..." dates
and "Use by..." dates.

I find the "Use by..." date sometimes means something and sometimes
means nothing. So it's not much help.

> She said, "We don't eat Cheese Nips but I figured I would give some to
> a person I know who needs assistance at the moment..."
>
> Yes, indeed. Because people who need assistance with things like food
> really *need* Cheese Nips.

Well even the assistance-needy like the occasional treat.

On 11/20/2013 4:34 PM, gtr wrote:
> On 2013-11-20 21:01:21 +0000, jmcquown said:
>
> I find the "Use by..." date sometimes means something and sometimes
> means nothing. So it's not much help.
>
>> She said, "We don't eat Cheese Nips but I figured I would give some to
>> a person I know who needs assistance at the moment..."
>>
>> Yes, indeed. Because people who need assistance with things like food
>> really *need* Cheese Nips.
>
> Well even the assistance-needy like the occasional treat.
>
Sure they do. But to foist something off on the "needy" because she's
in a tizzy about the random date doesn't exactly make her sound like a
great benefactor.

How come the only fresh foods I ever hear her mention are things like
bagged salad or something off a salad bar? And even then there's
something wrong with it. There's always something wrong. Apparently
they don't eat a lot of fresh (or even frozen) vegetables in that house.
But hey, they saved a few cents on canned soda. Sheesh.

Jill

"jmcquown" > wrote in message
...
> On 11/20/2013 3:36 PM, sf wrote:
>> On Wed, 20 Nov 2013 11:26:36 -0800 (PST), Roy >
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Expiry date means very little...you are throwing away perfectly
>>> acceptable
>>> product. What a waste of money to chuck food that could be used with
>>> no consequences. Perishables are a different matter and even there
>>> common
>>> sense should prevail.
>>
>> She's been told that before, but it never seems to sink in.
>>
> No, it doesn't sink in. That magic date means nothing other than CYA
> (cover your ass). If they were a year old, maybe. But unless those boxes
> of crackers were opened there probably wasn't a thing wrong with them.
>
> She said, "We don't eat Cheese Nips but I figured I would give some to a
> person I know who needs assistance at the moment..."
>
> Yes, indeed. Because people who need assistance with things like food
> really *need* Cheese Nips.

This person said they *need* anything they can get. I can't afford to buy
her things. These were free and I didn't want them. So... Why not give
them to someone who can use them?

On Wednesday, November 20, 2013 3:01:21 PM UTC-6, jmcquown wrote:
>
> She said, "We don't eat Cheese Nips but I figured I would give some to a
>
> person I know who needs assistance at the moment..."
>
>
>
> Yes, indeed. Because people who need assistance with things like food
>
> really *need* Cheese Nips.

LOL!

> wrote in message
...
> On Wednesday, November 20, 2013 3:01:21 PM UTC-6, jmcquown wrote:
>>
>> She said, "We don't eat Cheese Nips but I figured I would give some to a
>>
>> person I know who needs assistance at the moment..."
>>
>>
>>
>> Yes, indeed. Because people who need assistance with things like food
>>
>> really *need* Cheese Nips.
>
> LOL!

That's hardly funny. Of course nobody *needs* that kind of food. But what
is wrong with giving them away? It can be nice to have something you don't
usually get, especially around the holidays. We generally only had crackers
in the house then, aside from Saltines or oyster crackers for soup.

"sf" > wrote in message
...
> On Wed, 20 Nov 2013 11:26:36 -0800 (PST), Roy >
> wrote:
>
>> Expiry date means very little...you are throwing away perfectly
>> acceptable
>> product. What a waste of money to chuck food that could be used with
>> no consequences. Perishables are a different matter and even there common
>> sense should prevail.
>
> She's been told that before, but it never seems to sink in.

It doesn't sink in because it's just not true! As I said... I tried eating
expired chips and crackers. Did not taste good. If you want to eat them,
go right ahead. But I will not donate expired product because they would
just throw it out.

On Wed, 20 Nov 2013 19:13:40 -0800, "Julie Bove"
> wrote:

>
>"sf" > wrote in message
.. .
>> On Wed, 20 Nov 2013 11:26:36 -0800 (PST), Roy >
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Expiry date means very little...you are throwing away perfectly
>>> acceptable
>>> product. What a waste of money to chuck food that could be used with
>>> no consequences. Perishables are a different matter and even there common
>>> sense should prevail.
>>
>> She's been told that before, but it never seems to sink in.
>
>It doesn't sink in because it's just not true! As I said... I tried eating
>expired chips and crackers. Did not taste good. If you want to eat them,
>go right ahead. But I will not donate expired product because they would
>just throw it out.

Your pea brain is expired, there is no such thing as an expiration
date on those foods, in fact no foods have an expiration date, they
have a best used or a sell-by date... drugs have an expiration date,
obviously you're an addict.

"Brooklyn1" > wrote in message
...
> On Wed, 20 Nov 2013 19:13:40 -0800, "Julie Bove"
> > wrote:
>
>>
>>"sf" > wrote in message
. ..
>>> On Wed, 20 Nov 2013 11:26:36 -0800 (PST), Roy >
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Expiry date means very little...you are throwing away perfectly
>>>> acceptable
>>>> product. What a waste of money to chuck food that could be used with
>>>> no consequences. Perishables are a different matter and even there
>>>> common
>>>> sense should prevail.
>>>
>>> She's been told that before, but it never seems to sink in.
>>
>>It doesn't sink in because it's just not true! As I said... I tried
>>eating
>>expired chips and crackers. Did not taste good. If you want to eat them,
>>go right ahead. But I will not donate expired product because they would
>>just throw it out.
>
> Your pea brain is expired, there is no such thing as an expiration
> date on those foods, in fact no foods have an expiration date, they
> have a best used or a sell-by date... drugs have an expiration date,
> obviously you're an addict.

There is a date on the food. And the food bank suggests that if we are
going to donate, the non-perishables should have a date of at least one
month out. Preferably 2-3 months. This is not listed on their website but
is on flyers that are put out once in a while when there is a big need for
things. I try to comply. They will not give out what they deem to be
expired food. You can pick it at however you want. They won't take food
that is past the date indicated on it.

I know some food banks will. Have seen stories as such. And the few people
I know who have used a food bank have said they were given past the date
bread and stale baked goods from assorted bakeries. My food bank does not
do this.

"Roy" > wrote in message
...
> On Wednesday, November 20, 2013 1:59:44 AM UTC-7, Julie Bove wrote:
>> Their previous ad was that you get two free boxes of Cheese Nips when you
>>
>> buy 3, 12 pack Coke products. We don't eat Cheese Nips but I figured I
>>
>> would give some to a person I know who needs assistance at the moment and
>>
>> then donate more to the food bank. Brought home 2 boxes. Husband
>>
>> immediately ate one. Okay then. I guess we *do* eat them!
>>
>>
>>
>> Went to other Albertsons to repeat the deal. Remembered the amount
>> needed
>>
>> to buy incorrectly and had picked up 4 Coke products. Realized the
>> mistake
>>
>> when I got to the cracker aisle. Oh well. Grabbed 4 boxes of crackers
>> then
>>
>> 2 more Coke products.
>>
>>
>>
>> Forgot to pull out the crackers to put in the donation bin. It was cold
>>
>> outside and I didn't feel like going back. Took one box into the dance
>>
>> studio and offered it to a person who has two boys who eat like horses.
>> She
>>
>> took it.
>>
>>
>>
>> Got the other three boxes home and only then checked the date on them.
>> They
>>
>> expired on the 19th! Food bank would not take them and I also felt bad
>> for
>>
>> giving the other box away like that although if one of her guys found it,
>> it
>>
>> is probably already long gone. Heh! Then decided to check the remaining
>>
>> box in our house. It expires on the 24th. Guess I need to check all
>> dates
>>
>> on things, even on free stuff.
>>
>>
>>
>> Went back today to see if they had more Cranberry Sprite Zero. They did
>> not
>>
>> but they did have fresh crackers. But they also had a few that expired
>> on
>>
>> the 19th and I accidentally picked one up. Mentioned this to the cashier
>>
>> and said I was going back for fresh ones. Also mentioned the 4 that I
>> got
>>
>> yesterday. She told me to return them, no questions asked! Wouldn't be
>>
>> hard to prove that I got them there even without my receipt because I am
>> in
>>
>> there all the time. So they exchanged them for fresh ones and I was able
>> to
>>
>> make a donation. Donated 6, gave 2 away and still have one in the
>>
>> house.
>
> Expiry date means very little...you are throwing away perfectly acceptable
> product. What a waste of money to chuck food that could be used with
> no consequences. Perishables are a different matter and even there common
> sense should prevail.

good to know this nation's "needy people" are not so needy they can't turn
down one-day-expired food items. Life must be good for them.

"Pico Rico" > wrote in message
...
> good to know this nation's "needy people" are not so needy they can't turn
> down one-day-expired food items. Life must be good for them.

I don't know of needy people turning them down but our food bank will not
take expired items. So there was no point in my getting them.

"Sqwertz" > wrote in message
...
> On Wed, 20 Nov 2013 19:16:43 -0800, Julie Bove wrote:
>
>> "Pico Rico" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> good to know this nation's "needy people" are not so needy they can't
>>> turn
>>> down one-day-expired food items. Life must be good for them.
>>
>> I don't know of needy people turning them down but our food bank will not
>> take expired items. So there was no point in my getting them.
>
> What's the name of the food bank to which you donate food?

I told you before. The Maltby food bank. You even looked it up and said
that they don't operate like yours does.

http://maltbyfoodbank.org/

Why all this fuss? Who is out anything because I returned the crackers to
the store? I can't say for sure but the jobber or rep or whoever supplies
them with the crackers will most likely give them credit for those. I know
Nabisco would. Don't think those are a Nabisco product. If there is waste
at the store then the blame should be placed either on the supplier of the
product or someone at store level or beyond. Whoever is in charge of
placing the order. But...

Albertsons was bought out fairly recently by some other company. Save More?
Can't remember the exact name. Perhaps someone else here will. Clearly
there is an extreme supply and demand issue at this store. Don't know about
the other locations since this one is where I shop the most. In the past
few weeks they have been unable to get advertised product into the store at
the time of the sale and then are flooded with it after the sale. And no,
no rainchecks were offered nor did I ask. Because of this, I took advantage
of their 2 serving packages of cottage cheese for 70 cents. Wonder how much
of that went to waste?

In this case *I* wasn't the one who wasted the food. Had I really been on
the ball, I would have checked the dates before buying as I know to do. But
I didn't and the packages were exchanged less than 24 hours after they were
given to me. Yes, given because I did not buy them.

If I am going to donate something to the food bank, I make sure that there
is at least a month until the expiration date. Preferably even 2-3 months
out. I have seen this recommended countless times for donations. Yes, I do
sometimes donate things from my cupboard or stockpile that we decide that we
don't like. And I do donate freebies but I also know a person who needs
help now so I also give to her when I can. Like that screw up of the case
of green olives stuffed with almonds. I gave them to her in the hopes that
perhaps she can gift some for the holidays. She did ask me last year if I
had any leftover Christmas cards that I might be going to toss. That's how
bad her financial situation is. And I have known her for years. She is not
a begger. And I am not going to get into the particulars of her situation
here.

But mostly when I do donate, I try to give things that they have
specifically asked for. I know you will have issues with that. You have
taken me to task on this before. But I am not privy to your food pantry or
wherever you get your food for cheap. They are asking *us* for donations
and those extend to other things beyond food. I give when I can. Angela
and I gave a lot last year. Perhaps she will this year. I am not in a
situation now to do that myself. But I'm sure as the holidays approach I
will give something.

On Thu, 21 Nov 2013 03:37:30 -0800, "Julie Bove"
> wrote:

> Albertsons was bought out fairly recently by some other company. Save More?
> Can't remember the exact name. Perhaps someone else here will.

Wikipedia says SuperValu bought 564 Albertson's locations (in Southern
California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, Utah,
Washington and Wyoming) back in 2006.

--
Food is an important part of a balanced diet.

On 11/21/2013 4:50 AM, Sqwertz wrote:
> On Thu, 21 Nov 2013 03:37:30 -0800, Julie Bove wrote:
>
>> "Sqwertz" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> On Wed, 20 Nov 2013 19:16:43 -0800, Julie Bove wrote:
>>>
>>>> "Pico Rico" > wrote in message
>>>> ...
>>>>> good to know this nation's "needy people" are not so needy they can't
>>>>> turn
>>>>> down one-day-expired food items. Life must be good for them.
>>>>
>>>> I don't know of needy people turning them down but our food bank will not
>>>> take expired items. So there was no point in my getting them.
>>>
>>> What's the name of the food bank to which you donate food?
>>
>> I told you before. The Maltby food bank. You even looked it up and said
>> that they don't operate like yours does.
>
> That's right. You did.
>
> -sw
>

Stalker.

On 11/21/2013 3:52 AM, Sqwertz wrote:
> On Wed, 20 Nov 2013 19:16:43 -0800, Julie Bove wrote:
>
>> "Pico Rico" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> good to know this nation's "needy people" are not so needy they can't turn
>>> down one-day-expired food items. Life must be good for them.
>>
>> I don't know of needy people turning them down but our food bank will not
>> take expired items. So there was no point in my getting them.
>
> What's the name of the food bank to which you donate food?
>
> -sw
>
Are you going to stalk her down there?

"Pearl Buck" > wrote in message
...
> On 11/21/2013 3:52 AM, Sqwertz wrote:
>> On Wed, 20 Nov 2013 19:16:43 -0800, Julie Bove wrote:
>>
>>> "Pico Rico" > wrote in message
>>> ...
>>>> good to know this nation's "needy people" are not so needy they can't
>>>> turn
>>>> down one-day-expired food items. Life must be good for them.
>>>
>>> I don't know of needy people turning them down but our food bank will
>>> not
>>> take expired items. So there was no point in my getting them.
>>
>> What's the name of the food bank to which you donate food?
>>
>> -sw
>>
> Are you going to stalk her down there?

He won't find me there. Only went once to see where it was. Turns out it
was farther away than somebody else told me it was. Daughter had
volunteered there for the summer but they wouldn't allow her to work there
because of her back injury.

On 11/20/2013 9:26 AM, Roy wrote:
>
> Expiry date means very little...you are throwing away perfectly acceptable
> product. What a waste of money to chuck food that could be used with
> no consequences. Perishables are a different matter and even there common
> sense should prevail.
>
I pretty dates on cans. My stomach is stronger than mere printed dates.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAXtjH3EmLs

"Roy" > wrote in message
...

> Expiry date means very little...you are throwing away perfectly acceptable
> product. What a waste of money to chuck food that could be used with
> no consequences. Perishables are a different matter and even there common
> sense should prevail.

I must disagree. I have tried crackers and chips that were past the
expiration date and they tasted stale. But... I was going to donate these
to the food bank and they will not take expired food. So it wouldn't have
been me throwing it away. It would have been them.

On Wed, 20 Nov 2013 19:10:48 -0800, "Julie Bove"
> wrote:

>
>"Roy" > wrote in message
...
>
>> Expiry date means very little...you are throwing away perfectly acceptable
>> product. What a waste of money to chuck food that could be used with
>> no consequences. Perishables are a different matter and even there common
>> sense should prevail.
>
>I must disagree. I have tried crackers and chips that were past the
>expiration date and they tasted stale. But... I was going to donate these
>to the food bank and they will not take expired food. So it wouldn't have
>been me throwing it away. It would have been them.

Those foods do NOT have an expiration date, they have a best used by
date... very different.

I was the director of a food pantry for over twenty years and could never get over how some people would throw food out on expiration dates. That's just plain wasteful. I had to take a course, sponsored by the local food bank, before I assumed my position. Boxed items, like crackers, don't just automatically turn to crap by a magic date stamped on the box. If the box is clean, open it and taste it. They'll be just fine. Same with most canned goods. We were told that unless the can was severely dented, it was ok many months past the expiration date. Use common sense.

I remember someone donating opened bags of bug infected flour sealed with duct tape. That was disgusting. One time someone donated two bottles of blackberry merlot, which I couldn't give out because our food pantry was in a Methodist Church (no booze).

On Wednesday, November 20, 2013 3:24:52 PM UTC-5, wrote:
> I was the director of a food pantry for over twenty years and could never get over how some people would throw food out on expiration dates. That's just plain wasteful. I had to take a course, sponsored by the local food bank, before I assumed my position. Boxed items, like crackers, don't just automatically turn to crap by a magic date stamped on the box. If the box is clean, open it and taste it. They'll be just fine. Same with most canned goods. We were told that unless the can was severely dented, it was ok many months past the expiration date. Use common sense.
>

Dented cans are OK. The indicator is that they are OK as
long as they are not "blown". This is the state in which
you can press the top and it will give. This happens
because bacteria have created gas inside the can.

By the way, at what time of day on the expiration date do
the contents become bad? Is it at EST, GMT or the time at
the canning factory?

http://www.richardfisher.com

On Wed, 20 Nov 2013 12:48:49 -0800 (PST), Helpful person
> wrote:

>On Wednesday, November 20, 2013 3:24:52 PM UTC-5, wrote:
>> I was the director of a food pantry for over twenty years and could never get over how some people would throw food out on expiration dates. That's just plain wasteful. I had to take a course, sponsored by the local food bank, before I assumed my position. Boxed items, like crackers, don't just automatically turn to crap by a magic date stamped on the box. If the box is clean, open it and taste it. They'll be just fine. Same with most canned goods. We were told that unless the can was severely dented, it was ok many months past the expiration date. Use common sense.
>>
>
>Dented cans are OK. The indicator is that they are OK as
>long as they are not "blown". This is the state in which
>you can press the top and it will give. This happens
>because bacteria have created gas inside the can.
>
>By the way, at what time of day on the expiration date do
>the contents become bad? Is it at EST, GMT or the time at
>the canning factory?
>
>http://www.richardfisher.com

Oh, Crap! No one ever said. How will we know, what to do, what to
do. Oh my, oh my, oh my.
Janet US

On 2013-11-20 20:24:52 +0000, said:

> I was the director of a food pantry for over twenty years and could
> never get over how some people would throw food out on expiration
> dates. That's just plain wasteful. I had to take a course, sponsored
> by the local food bank, before I assumed my position. Boxed items,
> like crackers, don't just automatically turn to crap by a magic date
> stamped on the box.

Well now we know what date they DON'T turn to crap but when they DO
they turn to crap?

> If the box is clean, open it and taste it. They'll be just fine.

For 10 years? I'll send you a couple and you can taste them...

> Same with most canned goods. We were told that unless the can was
> severely dented, it was ok many months past the expiration date. Use
> common sense.

I hope I'm using common sense by following your guide lines. So "many
months" is, what--8 months after expiration date?

> I remember someone donating opened bags of bug infected flour sealed
> with duct tape.

If I can see buys crawling in it I don't need to check the date.

> One time someone donated two bottles of blackberry merlot, which I
> couldn't give out because our food pantry was in a Methodist Church (no
> booze).

Was it good?

In article <2013112015590083108-xxx@yyyzzz>, gtr > wrote:

> On 2013-11-20 20:24:52 +0000, said:
>
> > I was the director of a food pantry for over twenty years and could
> > never get over how some people would throw food out on expiration
> > dates. That's just plain wasteful. I had to take a course, sponsored
> > by the local food bank, before I assumed my position. Boxed items,
> > like crackers, don't just automatically turn to crap by a magic date
> > stamped on the box.
>
> Well now we know what date they DON'T turn to crap but when they DO
> they turn to crap?
>
> > If the box is clean, open it and taste it. They'll be just fine.
>
> For 10 years? I'll send you a couple and you can taste them...
>
> > Same with most canned goods. We were told that unless the can was
> > severely dented, it was ok many months past the expiration date. Use
> > common sense.
>
> I hope I'm using common sense by following your guide lines. So "many
> months" is, what--8 months after expiration date?
>
> > I remember someone donating opened bags of bug infected flour sealed
> > with duct tape.
>
> If I can see buys crawling in it I don't need to check the date.
>
> > One time someone donated two bottles of blackberry merlot, which I
> > couldn't give out because our food pantry was in a Methodist Church (no
> > booze).
>
> Was it good?

on the Tonight Show, Leno has frequently bought from ebay things like
decades old Twinkies and eaten them