Why do stores throw away food instead of donating?

I'm curious to understand why some stores opt to discard perfectly edible food items instead of donating them to those in need. Isn't it more ethical and socially responsible to redistribute these resources? Could it be due to concerns over liability, the logistical challenges involved, or perhaps a lack of awareness about the existing donation networks? Additionally, how does this practice impact the environment, considering the waste it generates? It seems like a missed opportunity to reduce food waste and support communities simultaneously. Could there be any incentives or policies that could encourage more stores to donate their surplus food?