We're deep into late stage capitalism now, so nobody gets to glean... expired (but perfectly fine food) doesn't even get donated lest the corporation get sued when someone chokes on a pretzel.

There are many gleaning projects all over the US. I just just looked and here is a nice interactive map: https://nationalgleaningproject.org/gleaning-map/

It is not just “church folk” that participate - my kids public school does it as part of their community service projects.

"late stage capitalism" is a phrase that doesn't really mean anything; but just to be clear - can't pin that on the capitalists! If the government makes it a liability to give away expired food then it won't happen, capitalism or otherwise.

The government doesn't make it a liability. If someone sued you because you choked on something, that's a civil matter. Nothing to do with government.