To Donate or Not To Donate - What Is An Acceptable Loaf?

Handmade loaves naturally vary, and they do not need to be picture-perfect to be warmly received. A small divot, dimple, split, or uneven top may simply mean that a loaf was slightly overproofed or underproofed. If it is fully baked, tastes good, and can be sliced and used as sandwich bread, it is generally suitable for donation.

Some loaves, however, should be held back. Please do not donate a loaf that is burned, raw or gummy inside, deeply sunken, extremely short or dense, or so misshapen that it cannot be sliced easily. Our food bank partners and their clients count on receiving bread that is both nourishing and enjoyable.

A helpful question to ask is: Would I feel proud serving this loaf to a guest? If the answer is yes, it is likely ready to share. If you are unsure, please send a photo to your hub leader or contact Baker Support before bringing it to your doughnation. We are happy to help you identify what happened and coach you toward a better bake next time.

Every baker has an occasional wonky loaf. Set it aside for toast, breadcrumbs, croutons, or another use at home, learn from the bake, and try again. That is all part of becoming a more confident baker.

The photos below offer examples to help you decide which loaves are suitable for donation and which are better enjoyed at home.