Pre-packaged food items that are available at the grocery store come with a sell-by, best-by, or expiration date on the label. Expiration dates are only required on infant formula. The manufacturer may choose to add the sell-by, best-by, or expiration date to the package to communicate the point when food is the freshest and highest quality.  

Sell-By: This date refers to the time that a food product needs to be off the shelf at a grocery shop. If the item has not left the store by this date, the company typically will get rid of these items to make space for new products (this is not always the case, some  

Best-By: This is a suggested date telling the consumer the timeframe the food is at peak freshness. Food may still be consumed after this date as the nutrition quality and safety will not change.  

Expires By: The date listed on fresh items such as meat and dairy products to distinguish when to eat the food before it spoils.  

Food pantries can keep certain shelf-stable and frozen items past their expiration dates for an extended period. Be sure to ask staff members at the Bear Pantry for clarification about what items stay safe and nutritious to consume after expiration.  

Packaging that is dented or ripped open should be discarded regardless of the date listed on the packaging.