Many places in our area do in fact donate left overs to the homeless shelters.

Many in my area do.

It is a choice they have to make.

Many already do, but so many still do not.

Some of our local places would like to but no storage for it

Many restaurants do make donations to the local food banks. Also, many grocery stores make donations of dated food products that are still safe to use.

Ginger Harper Yes, they should offer the food to the needy.

City ordinances, namely the ordinances in St Petersburg FL, have made those who may be poor, or food challenged - CRIMINALS. The behavior of those who are poor and food challenged can put them in jail. Along this same line of thinking, it is PROHIBITED to allow restaurants to make available left over food for those who may be hungry. It is prohibited to provide food to the hungry in locations outside of city facilities which are FAR removed (20 miles) from down town.

St Petersburg has become a heartless city who has elected to turn a blind eye and offer a cold heart to the needy.

What must occur is a shelter or food pantry must arrive at the restaurant to pick up the food...usually at 1AM to take to their facilities for distribution the next day.

You are right. There is way too much waste. 

Now, has anyone ever been offended by pan-handlers walking the median of the roadway seeking donations? If yes, I would challenge the reader that this reaction suggests they are contributing to and promoter of the cold heart policy.

I think it should be delivered to homeless shelters and places like "Rosey's Place" in Boston.... they provide meals for the homeless.....

I work with a few homeless missions, we receive food from a few restaurants, and it is always appreciated.

Ginger - Of course restaurants should offer leftover food to the needy.

However, the government has made this simple act of decency almost impossible with all their regulations. I am sure if it was made easier to do, almost all restaurants would be on board. 

I know a lot of restaurants do donate the food. So thats a good thing, some places I feel just don't know any better.

Offering the food to the needy for free would be nice.

I believe Panera donates their food at the end of the day somewhere. 

Ginger,

In our area they do distribute the food.  Trader Joe's does the same thing.  They donate all food that are about to expire a day or two prior expiration time to the local soup kitchens, etc.  A