Now I'm kind of insulted

Well, I guess I would be a little taken aback, but give them the benefit of the doubt.  I'd def call and let them know and perhaps suggest that they check expiration dates.  

 Yeah, I can see why that would feel insulting.  I do hope -- and would like to believe -- that it was just an oversight on someone's part... but the more jaded part of me fears that it probably was not.  I guess if it truly a matter of eating "expired" cheese or having nothing to eat at all, the cheese is clearly a better option... but, yeah, it is still disturbing.

Lora

It probably wasn't intentional, at least not on the part of the food bank.  I don't know about on the part of whomever donated it.  I do think they should be more careful about not giving out expired food, but it probably was not intentional.

Wow, there are a LOT of nice people on this site giving the benefit of the doubt. As for me, I'd be having a CONNIPTION fit. The very fact that expired food was given to me to consume would be all I needed to know. My thinking is, if you're going to perform a public service, then you assume the responsibilities of those actions, whi*****ludes accountability. Fortunately for you Kelly, you're smart, and healthy enough to check the labels, but what about some other person who might need help right now due to some type of diminished capacity like eyesight issues or mental cognitive issues. They're depending on the pantry to provide good, healthy foods. I'm glad you checked, and I hope others realized this issue as well. It might be a good idea to notify the pantry, so they don't have any recurrences.

Kat

Yeah, I am gonna let them know.  It also makes me a little worried about using some of the other stuff I got from them.  Most of it is nonperishable, it's canned goods and some bags of dried noodles and stuff like that.  But I also got milk, organic milk no less.  According to the dates, the milk is still good.  But if I can't trust them not to give me cheese that expired six months ago, can I trust them to keep the milk refrigerated properly?  I mean, apparently food safety isn't their top priority.

And yes, some people that get stuff from the food pantry probably won't check the dates on everything like I do.  And someone could end up eating something bad.  I do think they need to be responsible about what they give people.

 Call the number on the cheese and ask them what they think.  I might be insulted but I would still make some calls to see if it is still edible.  I wouldn't feed it to my children but I would probably still eat it if the mfg. said it was ok. 

I hope it's just an oversite too but I would inform the food bank too.

Oh, that's a thought that never occurred to me.  Thanks!

I never knew there were expiration dates on cheese. I'm a cut the mold and go person with cheese (and only cheese). But then Im a generational West Virginia raised girl, so maybe its cultural?

I wouldnt feel to insulted unless you feel the example is indicative of the establishment.  For example, you can go to any Walmart in my area and find expired food stuffs in the deli at any time.  Thus, why I only purchased non perishables from Walmart and why it is my last choice store. If that's the stores philosophy to not police their products, then I really cant trust them with anything, you know?

Im hoping it was just an oversight. Maybe someone stocked the shelves before checking the expiration dates. It could have been a new volunteer or employee who wasnt aware that they should check. I know I wouldnt check unless I was advised to, but then Im an airhead.

Good catch Kelly!  Im sure they'll be glad for the reminder to check their food stores before they distribute any more.

Maybe I'm jaded, but I volunteer at a food bank here in DC for people living with HIV/AIDS and other terminal illnesses and I've witnessed the type of things that people attempt to donate.  What always shocks me is that they think they are doing such a wonderful thing helping those that are less fortunate.  Some of them actually think that because these people have so little they should be happy with whatever meager offerings they bring.  And I've had SEVERAL people tell me "Oh well I didn't want to throw it away so I figured you all might be able to use it".  If it's garbage to you, its garbage to these people as well.  These are also the same folks that donate clothes with rips, stains, and holes to hurricane and tornado victims and think they are doing the right thing.

I can't tell you how many times I've had to tell people we can't take certain things like expired food or even food that's past it use by date.  HELLO idiot, why would we give bad food to people that are immunity-compromised and sick?!?!?!??  Their bodies can't fight off whatever bacteria might be growing in the old food your just tried to donate.