“And our contributors constantly lament that they have to destroy food because there’s not enough food banks who desire the materials.”
Food banks in my area, including the one at our church, WISH they had your problem.
A great number shifted their standards by just a couple days on when food could be disposed of, the end result being fresher food for customers and those in need being fed. Approach your chamber of commerce and try the same thing.
Sounds like you and the other FReeper should exchange contact information. Rather than collecting food in your area, perhaps you should be asking for volunteer drivers, rental trucks, and gasoline cards.