Help Fill the Pantry Shelves

Only non-perishable items may be donated. Please see the list below for the kinds of items we can and cannot accept. Donations may be dropped off at the St. Vincent de Paul thrift store, located at 28720 N. Stephenson Highway, Madison Heights, MI 48071. Tell the person who assists you that the donated items are for the Food Depot. Let us know who donated the items if you would like to receive and acknowledgement of your donation.

Items we can accept:

Non-perishable, unopened, unexpired food, such as:

  • Canned goods, including fruit, vegetables, soups, pasta sauce, ready-to-eat meals, meat and fish

  • Peanut butter and jelly

  • Boxed pasta and macaroni & cheese

  • Boxed cereal, instant and quick-cooking oatmeal

  • Rice, boxed stuffing and instant potatoes

  • Snack foods including chips, protein bars, snack bars, cookies and crackers

Personal care items, including:

  • Laundry Detergent, Dish Washing Soap

  • Deodorant

  • Bar Soap

  • Shampoo and Conditioner

  • Shaving Products and Disposable Razors

  • Feminine Hygiene Products

  • Adult Pullups and Diapers

  • Bed Pads

  • Child Diapers (especially large sizes) and Wipes

Household products, including:

  • Bathroom Tissue, Facial Tissue, Paper Towels

  • Home cleaning products

Items we cannot accept:

  • Open containers

  • Expired food items (see below in FAQ)

  • Dented, rusted or damaged cans (see below in FAQ)

  • Items with torn or missing labels

  • Leftover catering items that are not in labeled containers (see below in FAQ)

  • Perishable items or anything that requires refrigeration or storage in a freezer

  • Home-cooked or home-canned foods

  • Medications, including over the counter medications

  • Baby formula or baby foods (diapers and wipes are gratefully accepted!)

FAQs about Donated Goods

  • Generally, do not donate items that are past their expiration date. The exception to this are canned goods. Canned goods that are within 12 months after the printed expiration date may be donated. Do not donate cans that are more than a year past the expiration date, or cans that are dented, missing labels, rusted or in any way appear to be compromised.

  • We cannot accept leftover food from a catered event. Only food that is in a sealed container, with labeling that includes the contents of the container, its expiration date and the contact information for the manufacturer, can be donated to the Food Depot. We cannot accept any perishable prepared foods. Only non-perishable prepared foods and certain fresh foods can be donated (see below).

  • We cannot accept produce from a home garden. Fresh produce, if grown by a commercial grower (i.e. not an individual's garden), can be donated if the Food Depot is contacted in advance and the donor confirms we have space for the donated items. We have limited refrigeration space, so it is best to contact us first. Produce that is dropped off may be discarded if we do not have space or if it spoils before we can give it to neighbors in need.

  • We cannot accept any food prepared in a home kitchen. Only foods that are produced in commercial kitchens may be donated. If you wish to stop by with a plate of cookies for the volunteers and store employees, please do!

  • Donated items may be dropped off at the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift store, located at 28720 Stephenson Highway, Madison Heights, MI. Pull up to the roll-up donations door and tell the person who assists you that the donated items are for the Food Depot. Let us know who donated the items if you would like to receive an acknowledgement of your donation.