Terms of Service

1. About Neighbor Plates!

Neighbor Plates! is a Michigan nonprofit organization that operates neighborplates.org (the “Service”), a free community platform where neighbors voluntarily share homemade and surplus food. By using the Service — including by submitting a listing, reservation, or food request, or by exchanging text messages with us — you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, do not use the Service.

2. We are a platform, not a food provider

Neighbor Plates! only connects neighbors. We do not prepare, handle, inspect, store, transport, or deliver any food. All food is prepared and exchanged directly between users. We make no representations about the safety, quality, ingredients, allergen content, or preparation conditions of any food shared through the Service.

3. Assumption of risk

Sharing and consuming food prepared in private homes carries inherent risks, including foodborne illness and allergen exposure. You accept food from other users entirely at your own risk. You are solely responsible for asking about ingredients and preparation, and for deciding whether food is safe for you to eat. If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, do not rely on listing descriptions or dietary tags.

4. User responsibilities

If you share food through the Service, you agree to:

• Share only food you genuinely believe is safe, prepared and stored using reasonable hygiene
• Describe food accurately, including known major allergens where possible
• Donate food in good faith and never sell food or ask for payment through the Service

All users agree to:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Provide accurate information, including a working phone number you own
• Show up for pickups you commit to, or cancel promptly
• Treat other users respectfully and use reasonable judgment when meeting people for pickups
• Not use the Service for any commercial, unlawful, harassing, or fraudulent purpose

5. Liability waiver & food safety notice

Donors provide food voluntarily and free of charge. As a recipient, you accept responsibility for inspecting any food at your own discretion. This program is protected under the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act (42 U.S.C. § 1791). Neighbor Plates!, its officers, volunteers, and donors are released from liability except in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct.

6. Text messaging

The Service coordinates pickups by SMS. By providing your phone number you consent to receive transactional text messages about your listings, reservations, and requests. Reply STOP at any time to opt out. Message and data rates may apply. See our Privacy Policy for details on how phone numbers are handled.

7. Content and moderation

You are responsible for content you submit. We may remove any listing, request, or account at our sole discretion, with or without notice, including for suspected violations of these Terms or risks to community safety.

8. Disclaimer of warranties

THE SERVICE IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE” WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. WE DO NOT WARRANT THAT THE SERVICE WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, ERROR-FREE, OR THAT ANY FOOD SHARED THROUGH THE SERVICE IS SAFE TO CONSUME.

9. Limitation of liability

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, NEIGHBOR PLATES!, ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, VOLUNTEERS, AND AGENTS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, OR FOR ANY PERSONAL INJURY, ILLNESS, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE ARISING FROM FOOD SHARED THROUGH THE SERVICE OR FROM INTERACTIONS BETWEEN USERS. OUR TOTAL LIABILITY FOR ANY CLAIM ARISING FROM THE SERVICE SHALL NOT EXCEED ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($100).

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Neighbor Plates! and its officers, directors, volunteers, and agents from any claims, damages, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from your use of the Service, food you share or receive, or your violation of these Terms.

11. Governing law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Michigan, without regard to conflict-of-law principles. Any dispute shall be resolved in the state or federal courts located in Michigan.

12. Changes to these Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. Material changes will be reflected in the date at the top of this page. Continued use of the Service after changes take effect constitutes acceptance.

13. Contact

Questions about these Terms: neighborplates@gmail.com