Costco's Community Support: Donating Unsold Goods To Fight Hunger

As grocery prices continue to rise across the U.S., many shoppers wonder what becomes of unsold perishable foods at major retailers.
Costco, one of the nation’s largest wholesale chains, faces the same dilemma: what happens to the in-house baked goods that remain on the shelves after their sell-by dates?

How Costco Manages Its Leftover Bread

According to Costco’s official website, the company regularly collaborates with
Feeding America, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting hunger nationwide through a vast network of food banks. As part of this partnership, Costco donates various perishable goods, including fresh produce, protein, dairy products and bread that is baked in their own stores but remains unsold.

“Costco makes a positive contribution to the communities where we do business—whether we’re supporting children, education, health and human services, or disaster relief,” the company states, emphasizing that those efforts include ongoing food donations.

Insider Confirmation of Donations

On Reddit, former Costco employees have shared firsthand accounts of leftover merchandise often being stacked on carts and set aside for weekend pickups by local charities.

“I volunteer at a homeless shelter/food bank, and every Saturday one of our team goes to pick up the Costco perishables. We feed SO MANY people because of their donations,” one food bank worker from North Carolina reported, adding that their organization relies heavily on Costco’s generosity.

The Scale of Food Waste in the U.S.

Food waste is a serious concern nationwide. According to the USDA, an estimated 30 to 40 percent of the food supply in the U.S. is discarded annually, highlighting the need for responsible practices like Costco’s donation program.

By rerouting leftover bread and other perishables to organizations that serve people in need, Costco helps reduce waste while also fighting hunger across America.