Can I donate my leftover cottage food products?

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu

Sierra Sjerven specializes in sourdough-based products, including cakes, breads, and pretzels. Most of her sales come from community events and word-of-mouth.

Planning for community events or farmers markets can be tricky, and sometimes you may find yourself with more cottage food products than you can sell. 

While it might be tempting to donate your leftovers, food banks and food shelves cannot accept cottage food items because they must obtain products from approved, licensed sources.

Where to share leftovers

Places where you may offer your leftover cottage food products for free include:

• local Buy Nothing Facebook groups.
• neighborhood apps.
• community exchanges.

Keep in mind that even when you give food away for free, it is still considered a form of sales. This means you must still follow the Cottage Food Law when giving away your cottage food products for free, including ensuring proper labeling and allergen declarations.

Extending the season

Just because summer markets have ended doesn’t mean your selling opportunities have. Many neighborhoods and cities host indoor community events and holiday markets throughout the colder months. These can be a great way to continue sharing your cottage foods with local customers. You will typically find vendor applications on the market event webpage or social media page. 

Use the Minnesota Grown Directory to find winter markets in your area

Allowed cottage food selling locations

Cottage food producers may not sell to or at restaurants, cafes, or grocery stores. Doing so requires a food handler’s license, and the products may not be made in a home kitchen. As a cottage food producer, you may sell directly to consumers through the following:

• From your home with the option for hand delivery or pickup.
• Online through websites or social media with the option for hand delivery or pickup.
• Community events open to the public with a defined start and end time where multiple vendors are participating.
• Farmers markets, where associations of three or more vendors are selling directly to consumers.
• Commercial delivery (for pet treats only).

Remember, the cottage food producer or an employee must be physically present whenever selling at farmers markets or community events. 

Interested in selling cottage food?

Minnesota allows individuals to make up to $78,000 in gross annual sales, making and selling certain non-potentially hazardous food and canned goods. Extension offers training and tips on how to prepare cottage foods safely.