First, the two-hour rule
The USDA's guidance is that perishable food shouldn't sit at room temperature for more than two hours, or one hour above 90°F (USDA FSIS). At most receptions, food that was set out for dinner has passed that point by the end of the night.
That's why the decision about leftovers needs to happen before dinner is served, not after the last dance.
Talk to your caterer
Ask your caterer:
- Whether they pack leftovers for you, and in what containers
- Whether food that was never set out (still in the kitchen, kept hot or cold) can go home with family
- Whether they already work with a food rescue group
- What their own policy is. Some caterers don't release leftovers for liability reasons.
Boxing food for family
Pack only food that stayed hot or cold, and get it into a fridge quickly. Label boxes with the date. The cake usually travels best: box it, and freeze the top tier if you're keeping it.
Donating food
Food banks generally take packaged and unopened food. Prepared food from events goes better to food rescue groups that pick up from caterers and venues, so ask your caterer or search for food rescue organizations in your city.
Federal law protects donors. The Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act shields people and businesses that donate apparently wholesome food in good faith to nonprofit organizations for people in need, except in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct (42 U.S.C. 1791). The Food Donation Improvement Act of 2023 extended that protection to qualified direct donors, including caterers and restaurants, when they give food free directly to people in need (Public Law 117-362).
Drinks
Unopened bottles go back to whoever bought them. Some liquor stores take back unopened bottles, so ask before you buy. Open bottles can go home with the host; check your state's open-container rules for the drive.
Composting and the rest
If your venue or city has food waste collection, ask for a compost bin at the kitchen. Otherwise, bag food waste separately so it doesn't leak into recycling.
How we handle it
Add "Leftover food boxing" when you book Event Cleaning Pros and the crew will box leftovers the caterer leaves for you, label them and load them into the car you name. Where we work with a food rescue partner, we can drop off eligible food instead. See your price.