diff --git a/apps/backend/src/allocations/allocations.entity.ts b/apps/backend/src/allocations/allocations.entity.ts
index 26985283..5bcb6eec 100644
--- a/apps/backend/src/allocations/allocations.entity.ts
+++ b/apps/backend/src/allocations/allocations.entity.ts
@@ -11,28 +11,28 @@ import { Order } from '../orders/order.entity';
 @Entity('allocations')
 export class Allocation {
   @PrimaryGeneratedColumn({ name: 'allocation_id' })
-  allocationId: number;
+  allocationId!: number;
 
-  @Column({ name: 'order_id', type: 'int', nullable: false })
-  orderId: number;
+  @Column({ name: 'order_id', type: 'int' })
+  orderId!: number;
 
   @ManyToOne(() => Order, (order) => order.allocations)
   @JoinColumn({ name: 'order_id' })
-  order: Order;
+  order!: Order;
 
-  @Column({ name: 'item_id', type: 'int', nullable: false })
-  itemId: number;
+  @Column({ name: 'item_id', type: 'int' })
+  itemId!: number;
 
   @ManyToOne(() => DonationItem, (item) => item.allocations)
   @JoinColumn({ name: 'item_id' })
-  item: DonationItem;
+  item!: DonationItem;
 
   @Column({ name: 'allocated_quantity', type: 'int' })
-  allocatedQuantity: number;
+  allocatedQuantity!: number;
 
   @Column({ name: 'reserved_at', type: 'timestamp' })
-  reservedAt: Date;
+  reservedAt!: Date;
 
-  @Column({ name: 'fulfilled_at', type: 'timestamp' })
-  fulfilledAt: Date;
+  @Column({ name: 'fulfilled_at', type: 'timestamp', nullable: true })
+  fulfilledAt!: Date | null;
 }
diff --git a/apps/backend/src/app.module.ts b/apps/backend/src/app.module.ts
index 7fe3ff82..880c102c 100644
--- a/apps/backend/src/app.module.ts
+++ b/apps/backend/src/app.module.ts
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ import { ScheduleModule } from '@nestjs/schedule';
     TypeOrmModule.forRootAsync({
       inject: [ConfigService],
       useFactory: async (configService: ConfigService) =>
-        configService.get('typeorm'),
+        configService.getOrThrow('typeorm'),
     }),
     ScheduleModule.forRoot(),
     UsersModule,
diff --git a/apps/backend/src/auth/auth.controller.ts b/apps/backend/src/auth/auth.controller.ts
index ec741008..c083b9b9 100644
--- a/apps/backend/src/auth/auth.controller.ts
+++ b/apps/backend/src/auth/auth.controller.ts
@@ -25,8 +25,12 @@ export class AuthController {
     // By default, creates a standard user
     try {
       await this.authService.signup(signUpDto);
-    } catch (e) {
-      throw new BadRequestException(e.message);
+    } catch (e: unknown) {
+      const message =
+        e instanceof Error
+          ? e.message
+          : 'Unexpected error occurred when signing up user';
+      throw new BadRequestException(message);
     }
 
     const user = await this.usersService.create(
@@ -45,8 +49,12 @@ export class AuthController {
   verifyUser(@Body() body: VerifyUserDto): void {
     try {
       this.authService.verifyUser(body.email, body.verificationCode);
-    } catch (e) {
-      throw new BadRequestException(e.message);
+    } catch (e: unknown) {
+      const message =
+        e instanceof Error
+          ? e.message
+          : 'Unexpected error occurred when verifying user';
+      throw new BadRequestException(message);
     }
   }
 
@@ -76,8 +84,12 @@ export class AuthController {
 
     try {
       await this.authService.deleteUser(user.email);
-    } catch (e) {
-      throw new BadRequestException(e.message);
+    } catch (e: unknown) {
+      const message =
+        e instanceof Error
+          ? e.message
+          : 'Unexpected error occurred when deleting user';
+      throw new BadRequestException(message);
     }
 
     this.usersService.remove(user.id);
diff --git a/apps/backend/src/auth/auth.service.spec.ts b/apps/backend/src/auth/auth.service.spec.ts
index 800ab662..248f642d 100644
--- a/apps/backend/src/auth/auth.service.spec.ts
+++ b/apps/backend/src/auth/auth.service.spec.ts
@@ -5,6 +5,11 @@ describe('AuthService', () => {
   let service: AuthService;
 
   beforeEach(async () => {
+    process.env.AWS_ACCESS_KEY_ID = 'test';
+    process.env.AWS_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY = 'test';
+    process.env.COGNITO_CLIENT_SECRET = 'test';
+    process.env.AWS_REGION = 'us-east-1';
+
     const module: TestingModule = await Test.createTestingModule({
       providers: [AuthService],
     }).compile();
diff --git a/apps/backend/src/auth/auth.service.ts b/apps/backend/src/auth/auth.service.ts
index 8c38f366..84f89e35 100644
--- a/apps/backend/src/auth/auth.service.ts
+++ b/apps/backend/src/auth/auth.service.ts
@@ -1,12 +1,18 @@
-import { Injectable } from '@nestjs/common';
+import {
+  Injectable,
+  InternalServerErrorException,
+  NotFoundException,
+} from '@nestjs/common';
 import {
   AdminDeleteUserCommand,
   AdminInitiateAuthCommand,
+  AdminInitiateAuthCommandOutput,
   CognitoIdentityProviderClient,
   ConfirmForgotPasswordCommand,
   ConfirmSignUpCommand,
   ForgotPasswordCommand,
   SignUpCommand,
+  AuthenticationResultType,
 } from '@aws-sdk/client-cognito-identity-provider';
 
 import CognitoAuthConfig from './aws-exports';
@@ -17,6 +23,18 @@ import { createHmac } from 'crypto';
 import { RefreshTokenDto } from './dtos/refresh-token.dto';
 import { Role } from '../users/types';
 import { ConfirmPasswordDto } from './dtos/confirm-password.dto';
+import { validateEnv } from '../utils/validation.utils';
+
+type SignInAuthResult = AuthenticationResultType & {
+  AccessToken: string;
+  RefreshToken: string;
+  IdToken: string;
+};
+
+type RefreshAuthResult = AuthenticationResultType & {
+  AccessToken: string;
+  IdToken: string;
+};
 
 @Injectable()
 export class AuthService {
@@ -27,12 +45,12 @@ export class AuthService {
     this.providerClient = new CognitoIdentityProviderClient({
       region: CognitoAuthConfig.region,
       credentials: {
-        accessKeyId: process.env.AWS_ACCESS_KEY_ID,
-        secretAccessKey: process.env.AWS_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY,
+        accessKeyId: validateEnv('AWS_ACCESS_KEY_ID'),
+        secretAccessKey: validateEnv('AWS_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY'),
       },
     });
 
-    this.clientSecret = process.env.COGNITO_CLIENT_SECRET;
+    this.clientSecret = validateEnv('COGNITO_CLIENT_SECRET');
   }
 
   // Computes secret hash to authenticate this backend to Cognito
@@ -69,8 +87,19 @@ export class AuthService {
       ],
     });
 
-    const response = await this.providerClient.send(signUpCommand);
-    return response.UserConfirmed;
+    try {
+      const response = await this.providerClient.send(signUpCommand);
+
+      if (response.UserConfirmed == null) {
+        throw new InternalServerErrorException(
+          'Missing UserConfirmed from Cognito',
+        );
+      }
+
+      return response.UserConfirmed;
+    } catch (err: unknown) {
+      throw new InternalServerErrorException('Failed to sign up user');
+    }
   }
 
   async verifyUser(email: string, verificationCode: string): Promise<void> {
@@ -98,10 +127,13 @@ export class AuthService {
 
     const response = await this.providerClient.send(signInCommand);
 
+    const authResult =
+      this.validateAuthenticationResultTokensForSignIn(response);
+
     return {
-      accessToken: response.AuthenticationResult.AccessToken,
-      refreshToken: response.AuthenticationResult.RefreshToken,
-      idToken: response.AuthenticationResult.IdToken,
+      accessToken: authResult.AccessToken,
+      refreshToken: authResult.RefreshToken,
+      idToken: authResult.IdToken,
     };
   }
 
@@ -122,10 +154,13 @@ export class AuthService {
 
     const response = await this.providerClient.send(refreshCommand);
 
+    const authResult =
+      this.validateAuthenticationResultTokensForRefresh(response);
+
     return {
-      accessToken: response.AuthenticationResult.AccessToken,
+      accessToken: authResult.AccessToken,
       refreshToken: refreshToken,
-      idToken: response.AuthenticationResult.IdToken,
+      idToken: authResult.IdToken,
     };
   }
 
@@ -163,4 +198,48 @@ export class AuthService {
 
     await this.providerClient.send(adminDeleteUserCommand);
   }
+
+  private validateAuthenticationResultTokensForSignIn(
+    commandOutput: AdminInitiateAuthCommandOutput,
+  ): SignInAuthResult {
+    const result = commandOutput.AuthenticationResult;
+
+    if (result == null) {
+      throw new NotFoundException(
+        'No associated authentication result for sign in',
+      );
+    }
+
+    if (
+      result.AccessToken == null ||
+      result.RefreshToken == null ||
+      result.IdToken == null
+    ) {
+      throw new NotFoundException(
+        'Necessary Authentication Result tokens not found for sign in ',
+      );
+    }
+
+    return result as SignInAuthResult;
+  }
+
+  private validateAuthenticationResultTokensForRefresh(
+    commandOutput: AdminInitiateAuthCommandOutput,
+  ): RefreshAuthResult {
+    const result = commandOutput.AuthenticationResult;
+
+    if (result == null) {
+      throw new NotFoundException(
+        'No associated authentication result for refresh',
+      );
+    }
+
+    if (result.AccessToken == null || result.IdToken == null) {
+      throw new NotFoundException(
+        'Necessary Authentication Result tokens not found for refresh',
+      );
+    }
+
+    return result as RefreshAuthResult;
+  }
 }
diff --git a/apps/backend/src/auth/authenticated-request.ts b/apps/backend/src/auth/authenticated-request.ts
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..d8c0673f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/backend/src/auth/authenticated-request.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,7 @@
+import { Request } from 'express';
+import { User } from '../users/user.entity';
+
+// user does not have to be provided by the client but is added automatically by the auth backend
+export interface AuthenticatedRequest extends Request {
+  user: User;
+}
diff --git a/apps/backend/src/auth/dtos/confirm-password.dto.ts b/apps/backend/src/auth/dtos/confirm-password.dto.ts
index ec1d63bb..921deff6 100644
--- a/apps/backend/src/auth/dtos/confirm-password.dto.ts
+++ b/apps/backend/src/auth/dtos/confirm-password.dto.ts
@@ -2,11 +2,11 @@ import { IsEmail, IsString } from 'class-validator';
 
 export class ConfirmPasswordDto {
   @IsEmail()
-  email: string;
+  email!: string;
 
   @IsString()
-  newPassword: string;
+  newPassword!: string;
 
   @IsString()
-  confirmationCode: string;
+  confirmationCode!: string;
 }
diff --git a/apps/backend/src/auth/dtos/delete-user.dto.ts b/apps/backend/src/auth/dtos/delete-user.dto.ts
index 1a616376..78c4a7fa 100644
--- a/apps/backend/src/auth/dtos/delete-user.dto.ts
+++ b/apps/backend/src/auth/dtos/delete-user.dto.ts
@@ -2,5 +2,5 @@ import { IsPositive } from 'class-validator';
 
 export class DeleteUserDto {
   @IsPositive()
-  userId: number;
+  userId!: number;
 }
diff --git a/apps/backend/src/auth/dtos/forgot-password.dto.ts b/apps/backend/src/auth/dtos/forgot-password.dto.ts
index bbedf083..e65f7d5b 100644
--- a/apps/backend/src/auth/dtos/forgot-password.dto.ts
+++ b/apps/backend/src/auth/dtos/forgot-password.dto.ts
@@ -2,5 +2,5 @@ import { IsEmail } from 'class-validator';
 
 export class ForgotPasswordDto {
   @IsEmail()
-  email: string;
+  email!: string;
 }
diff --git a/apps/backend/src/auth/dtos/refresh-token.dto.ts b/apps/backend/src/auth/dtos/refresh-token.dto.ts
index f67905d3..47feef29 100644
--- a/apps/backend/src/auth/dtos/refresh-token.dto.ts
+++ b/apps/backend/src/auth/dtos/refresh-token.dto.ts
@@ -2,8 +2,8 @@ import { IsString } from 'class-validator';
 
 export class RefreshTokenDto {
   @IsString()
-  refreshToken: string;
+  refreshToken!: string;
 
   @IsString()
-  userSub: string;
+  userSub!: string;
 }
diff --git a/apps/backend/src/auth/dtos/sign-in-response.dto.ts b/apps/backend/src/auth/dtos/sign-in-response.dto.ts
index b22f6c88..24fc0899 100644
--- a/apps/backend/src/auth/dtos/sign-in-response.dto.ts
+++ b/apps/backend/src/auth/dtos/sign-in-response.dto.ts
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 export class SignInResponseDto {
-  accessToken: string;
+  accessToken!: string;
 
-  refreshToken: string;
+  refreshToken!: string;
 
-  idToken: string;
+  idToken!: string;
 }
diff --git a/apps/backend/src/auth/dtos/sign-in.dto.ts b/apps/backend/src/auth/dtos/sign-in.dto.ts
index 51cd9c95..0be7d513 100644
--- a/apps/backend/src/auth/dtos/sign-in.dto.ts
+++ b/apps/backend/src/auth/dtos/sign-in.dto.ts
@@ -2,8 +2,8 @@ import { IsEmail, IsString } from 'class-validator';
 
 export class SignInDto {
   @IsEmail()
-  email: string;
+  email!: string;
 
   @IsString()
-  password: string;
+  password!: string;
 }
diff --git a/apps/backend/src/auth/dtos/sign-up.dto.ts b/apps/backend/src/auth/dtos/sign-up.dto.ts
index 258690eb..6fa066a3 100644
--- a/apps/backend/src/auth/dtos/sign-up.dto.ts
+++ b/apps/backend/src/auth/dtos/sign-up.dto.ts
@@ -2,16 +2,16 @@ import { IsEmail, IsNotEmpty, IsString, IsPhoneNumber } from 'class-validator';
 
 export class SignUpDto {
   @IsString()
-  firstName: string;
+  firstName!: string;
 
   @IsString()
-  lastName: string;
+  lastName!: string;
 
   @IsEmail()
-  email: string;
+  email!: string;
 
   @IsString()
-  password: string;
+  password!: string;
 
   @IsString()
   @IsNotEmpty()
@@ -19,5 +19,5 @@ export class SignUpDto {
     message:
       'phone must be a valid phone number (make sure all the digits are correct)',
   })
-  phone: string;
+  phone!: string;
 }
diff --git a/apps/backend/src/auth/dtos/verify-user.dto.ts b/apps/backend/src/auth/dtos/verify-user.dto.ts
index 66391605..b7f300fc 100644
--- a/apps/backend/src/auth/dtos/verify-user.dto.ts
+++ b/apps/backend/src/auth/dtos/verify-user.dto.ts
@@ -2,8 +2,8 @@ import { IsEmail, IsString } from 'class-validator';
 
 export class VerifyUserDto {
   @IsEmail()
-  email: string;
+  email!: string;
 
   @IsString()
-  verificationCode: string;
+  verificationCode!: string;
 }
diff --git a/apps/backend/src/aws/aws-s3.service.ts b/apps/backend/src/aws/aws-s3.service.ts
index 045038d5..1035558e 100644
--- a/apps/backend/src/aws/aws-s3.service.ts
+++ b/apps/backend/src/aws/aws-s3.service.ts
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 import { Injectable } from '@nestjs/common';
 import { S3Client, PutObjectCommand } from '@aws-sdk/client-s3';
+import { validateEnv } from '../utils/validation.utils';
 
 @Injectable()
 export class AWSS3Service {
@@ -9,15 +10,15 @@ export class AWSS3Service {
 
   constructor() {
     this.region = process.env.AWS_REGION || 'us-east-2';
-    this.bucket = process.env.AWS_BUCKET_NAME;
+    this.bucket = validateEnv('AWS_BUCKET_NAME');
     if (!this.bucket) {
       throw new Error('AWS_BUCKET_NAME is not defined');
     }
     this.client = new S3Client({
       region: this.region,
       credentials: {
-        accessKeyId: process.env.AWS_ACCESS_KEY_ID,
-        secretAccessKey: process.env.AWS_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY,
+        accessKeyId: validateEnv('AWS_ACCESS_KEY_ID'),
+        secretAccessKey: validateEnv('AWS_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY'),
       },
     });
   }
diff --git a/apps/backend/src/config/migrations.ts b/apps/backend/src/config/migrations.ts
index 9e322b74..85684cd7 100644
--- a/apps/backend/src/config/migrations.ts
+++ b/apps/backend/src/config/migrations.ts
@@ -30,6 +30,7 @@ import { AddFoodRescueToDonationItems1770679339809 } from '../migrations/1770679
 import { UpdateManufacturerEntity1768680807820 } from '../migrations/1768680807820-UpdateManufacturerEntity';
 import { AddUserPoolId1769189327767 } from '../migrations/1769189327767-AddUserPoolId';
 import { UpdateOrderEntity1769990652833 } from '../migrations/1769990652833-UpdateOrderEntity';
+import { DonationItemFoodTypeNotNull1771524930613 } from '../migrations/1771524930613-DonationItemFoodTypeNotNull';
 import { MoveRequestFieldsToOrders1770571145350 } from '../migrations/1770571145350-MoveRequestFieldsToOrders';
 import { RenameDonationMatchingStatus1771260403657 } from '../migrations/1771260403657-RenameDonationMatchingStatus';
 
@@ -66,6 +67,7 @@ const schemaMigrations = [
   UpdateManufacturerEntity1768680807820,
   AddUserPoolId1769189327767,
   UpdateOrderEntity1769990652833,
+  DonationItemFoodTypeNotNull1771524930613,
   MoveRequestFieldsToOrders1770571145350,
   RenameDonationMatchingStatus1771260403657,
 ];
diff --git a/apps/backend/src/donationItems/donationItems.entity.ts b/apps/backend/src/donationItems/donationItems.entity.ts
index 852df755..a99bfb36 100644
--- a/apps/backend/src/donationItems/donationItems.entity.ts
+++ b/apps/backend/src/donationItems/donationItems.entity.ts
@@ -32,10 +32,10 @@ export class DonationItem {
   reservedQuantity!: number;
 
   @Column({ name: 'oz_per_item', type: 'numeric', nullable: true })
-  ozPerItem?: number;
+  ozPerItem!: number | null;
 
   @Column({ name: 'estimated_value', type: 'numeric', nullable: true })
-  estimatedValue?: number;
+  estimatedValue!: number | null;
 
   @Column({
     name: 'food_type',
@@ -49,5 +49,5 @@ export class DonationItem {
   allocations!: Allocation[];
 
   @Column({ name: 'food_rescue', type: 'boolean', nullable: true })
-  foodRescue?: boolean;
+  foodRescue!: boolean | null;
 }
diff --git a/apps/backend/src/donationItems/donationItems.service.ts b/apps/backend/src/donationItems/donationItems.service.ts
index 25820f1c..f95e5fdb 100644
--- a/apps/backend/src/donationItems/donationItems.service.ts
+++ b/apps/backend/src/donationItems/donationItems.service.ts
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ export class DonationItemsService {
       reservedQuantity: number;
       ozPerItem?: number;
       estimatedValue?: number;
-      foodType?: FoodType;
+      foodType: FoodType;
     }[],
   ): Promise<DonationItem[]> {
     validateId(donationId, 'Donation');
diff --git a/apps/backend/src/donationItems/dtos/create-donation-items.dto.ts b/apps/backend/src/donationItems/dtos/create-donation-items.dto.ts
index 8beaccce..0e4b04b3 100644
--- a/apps/backend/src/donationItems/dtos/create-donation-items.dto.ts
+++ b/apps/backend/src/donationItems/dtos/create-donation-items.dto.ts
@@ -26,14 +26,14 @@ export class CreateDonationItemDto {
   @Min(0)
   reservedQuantity!: number;
 
-  @IsOptional()
   @IsNumber()
   @Min(0.01)
+  @IsOptional()
   ozPerItem?: number;
 
-  @IsOptional()
   @IsNumber()
   @Min(0.01)
+  @IsOptional()
   estimatedValue?: number;
 
   @IsEnum(FoodType)
diff --git a/apps/backend/src/donations/donations.entity.ts b/apps/backend/src/donations/donations.entity.ts
index 854401b3..daa5659c 100644
--- a/apps/backend/src/donations/donations.entity.ts
+++ b/apps/backend/src/donations/donations.entity.ts
@@ -37,13 +37,13 @@ export class Donation {
   status!: DonationStatus;
 
   @Column({ name: 'total_items', type: 'int', nullable: true })
-  totalItems?: number;
+  totalItems!: number | null;
 
   @Column({ name: 'total_oz', type: 'numeric', nullable: true })
-  totalOz?: number;
+  totalOz!: number | null;
 
   @Column({ name: 'total_estimated_value', type: 'numeric', nullable: true })
-  totalEstimatedValue?: number;
+  totalEstimatedValue!: number | null;
 
   @Column({
     name: 'recurrence',
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ export class Donation {
   recurrence!: RecurrenceEnum;
 
   @Column({ name: 'recurrence_freq', type: 'int', nullable: true })
-  recurrenceFreq?: number;
+  recurrenceFreq!: number | null;
 
   @Column({
     name: 'next_donation_dates',
@@ -63,8 +63,8 @@ export class Donation {
     array: true,
     nullable: true,
   })
-  nextDonationDates?: Date[];
+  nextDonationDates!: Date[] | null;
 
   @Column({ name: 'occurrences_remaining', type: 'int', nullable: true })
-  occurrencesRemaining?: number;
+  occurrencesRemaining!: number | null;
 }
diff --git a/apps/backend/src/donations/donations.service.ts b/apps/backend/src/donations/donations.service.ts
index 18e389b4..a4fa539f 100644
--- a/apps/backend/src/donations/donations.service.ts
+++ b/apps/backend/src/donations/donations.service.ts
@@ -1,4 +1,8 @@
-import { Injectable, NotFoundException } from '@nestjs/common';
+import {
+  BadRequestException,
+  Injectable,
+  NotFoundException,
+} from '@nestjs/common';
 import { InjectRepository } from '@nestjs/typeorm';
 import { Repository } from 'typeorm';
 import { Donation } from './donations.entity';
@@ -50,14 +54,21 @@ export class DonationService {
       );
     }
 
-    const nextDonationDates =
-      donationData.recurrence !== RecurrenceEnum.NONE
-        ? await this.generateNextDonationDates(
-            donationData.recurrenceFreq,
-            donationData.recurrence,
-            donationData.repeatOnDays ?? null,
-          )
-        : null;
+    let nextDonationDates = null;
+
+    if (donationData.recurrence !== RecurrenceEnum.NONE) {
+      if (donationData.recurrenceFreq == null) {
+        throw new BadRequestException(
+          'recurrenceFreq is required for recurring donations',
+        );
+      }
+
+      nextDonationDates = await this.generateNextDonationDates(
+        donationData.recurrenceFreq,
+        donationData.recurrence,
+        donationData.repeatOnDays ?? null,
+      );
+    }
 
     const donation = this.repo.create({
       foodManufacturer: manufacturer,
diff --git a/apps/backend/src/emails/types.ts b/apps/backend/src/emails/dto/send-email.dto.ts
similarity index 75%
rename from apps/backend/src/emails/types.ts
rename to apps/backend/src/emails/dto/send-email.dto.ts
index 34ffb865..4639790d 100644
--- a/apps/backend/src/emails/types.ts
+++ b/apps/backend/src/emails/dto/send-email.dto.ts
@@ -2,21 +2,21 @@ import {
   IsString,
   IsOptional,
   IsNotEmpty,
-  MaxLength,
   IsEmail,
   IsArray,
+  Length,
 } from 'class-validator';
-import { EmailAttachment } from './awsSes.wrapper';
+import { EmailAttachment } from '../awsSes.wrapper';
 
 export class SendEmailDTO {
   @IsArray()
   @IsEmail({}, { each: true })
-  @MaxLength(255, { each: true })
+  @Length(1, 255, { each: true })
   toEmails!: string[];
 
   @IsString()
   @IsNotEmpty()
-  @MaxLength(255)
+  @Length(1, 255)
   subject!: string;
 
   @IsString()
diff --git a/apps/backend/src/foodManufacturers/dtos/manufacturer-application.dto.ts b/apps/backend/src/foodManufacturers/dtos/manufacturer-application.dto.ts
index a6d4bbba..556e6910 100644
--- a/apps/backend/src/foodManufacturers/dtos/manufacturer-application.dto.ts
+++ b/apps/backend/src/foodManufacturers/dtos/manufacturer-application.dto.ts
@@ -16,27 +16,27 @@ export class FoodManufacturerApplicationDto {
   @IsString()
   @IsNotEmpty()
   @Length(1, 255)
-  foodManufacturerName: string;
+  foodManufacturerName!: string;
 
   @IsString()
   @IsNotEmpty()
   @Length(1, 255)
-  foodManufacturerWebsite: string;
+  foodManufacturerWebsite!: string;
 
   @IsString()
   @IsNotEmpty()
   @Length(1, 255)
-  contactFirstName: string;
+  contactFirstName!: string;
 
   @IsString()
   @IsNotEmpty()
   @Length(1, 255)
-  contactLastName: string;
+  contactLastName!: string;
 
   @IsEmail()
   @IsNotEmpty()
   @Length(1, 255)
-  contactEmail: string;
+  contactEmail!: string;
 
   @IsString()
   @IsNotEmpty()
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ export class FoodManufacturerApplicationDto {
     message:
       'contactPhone must be a valid phone number (make sure all the digits are correct)',
   })
-  contactPhone: string;
+  contactPhone!: string;
 
   @IsOptional()
   @IsString()
@@ -75,27 +75,27 @@ export class FoodManufacturerApplicationDto {
 
   @ArrayNotEmpty()
   @IsEnum(Allergen, { each: true })
-  unlistedProductAllergens: Allergen[];
+  unlistedProductAllergens!: Allergen[];
 
   @ArrayNotEmpty()
   @IsEnum(Allergen, { each: true })
-  facilityFreeAllergens: Allergen[];
+  facilityFreeAllergens!: Allergen[];
 
   @IsBoolean()
-  productsGlutenFree: boolean;
+  productsGlutenFree!: boolean;
 
   @IsBoolean()
-  productsContainSulfites: boolean;
+  productsContainSulfites!: boolean;
 
   @IsString()
   @IsNotEmpty()
-  productsSustainableExplanation: string;
+  productsSustainableExplanation!: string;
 
   @IsBoolean()
-  inKindDonations: boolean;
+  inKindDonations!: boolean;
 
   @IsEnum(DonateWastedFood)
-  donateWastedFood: DonateWastedFood;
+  donateWastedFood!: DonateWastedFood;
 
   @IsOptional()
   @IsEnum(ManufacturerAttribute)
diff --git a/apps/backend/src/foodManufacturers/manufacturers.entity.ts b/apps/backend/src/foodManufacturers/manufacturers.entity.ts
index aa52ce89..8d351052 100644
--- a/apps/backend/src/foodManufacturers/manufacturers.entity.ts
+++ b/apps/backend/src/foodManufacturers/manufacturers.entity.ts
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ export class FoodManufacturer {
     length: 255,
     nullable: true,
   })
-  secondaryContactFirstName?: string;
+  secondaryContactFirstName!: string | null;
 
   @Column({
     name: 'secondary_contact_last_name',
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ export class FoodManufacturer {
     length: 255,
     nullable: true,
   })
-  secondaryContactLastName?: string;
+  secondaryContactLastName!: string | null;
 
   @Column({
     name: 'secondary_contact_email',
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ export class FoodManufacturer {
     length: 255,
     nullable: true,
   })
-  secondaryContactEmail?: string;
+  secondaryContactEmail!: string | null;
 
   @Column({
     name: 'secondary_contact_phone',
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ export class FoodManufacturer {
     length: 20,
     nullable: true,
   })
-  secondaryContactPhone?: string;
+  secondaryContactPhone!: string | null;
 
   @Column({
     name: 'unlisted_product_allergens',
@@ -113,17 +113,17 @@ export class FoodManufacturer {
     enumName: 'manufacturer_attribute_enum',
     nullable: true,
   })
-  manufacturerAttribute?: ManufacturerAttribute;
+  manufacturerAttribute!: ManufacturerAttribute | null;
 
   @Column({
     name: 'additional_comments',
     type: 'text',
     nullable: true,
   })
-  additionalComments?: string;
+  additionalComments!: string | null;
 
   @Column({ name: 'newsletter_subscription', type: 'boolean', nullable: true })
-  newsletterSubscription?: boolean;
+  newsletterSubscription!: boolean | null;
 
   @OneToMany(() => Donation, (donation) => donation.foodManufacturer)
   donations!: Donation[];
diff --git a/apps/backend/src/foodManufacturers/manufacturers.service.ts b/apps/backend/src/foodManufacturers/manufacturers.service.ts
index 95999256..54c44323 100644
--- a/apps/backend/src/foodManufacturers/manufacturers.service.ts
+++ b/apps/backend/src/foodManufacturers/manufacturers.service.ts
@@ -76,13 +76,13 @@ export class FoodManufacturersService {
 
     // secondary contact information
     foodManufacturer.secondaryContactFirstName =
-      foodManufacturerData.secondaryContactFirstName;
+      foodManufacturerData.secondaryContactFirstName ?? null;
     foodManufacturer.secondaryContactLastName =
-      foodManufacturerData.secondaryContactLastName;
+      foodManufacturerData.secondaryContactLastName ?? null;
     foodManufacturer.secondaryContactEmail =
-      foodManufacturerData.secondaryContactEmail;
+      foodManufacturerData.secondaryContactEmail ?? null;
     foodManufacturer.secondaryContactPhone =
-      foodManufacturerData.secondaryContactPhone;
+      foodManufacturerData.secondaryContactPhone ?? null;
 
     // food manufacturer details information
     foodManufacturer.foodManufacturerName =
@@ -102,11 +102,11 @@ export class FoodManufacturersService {
     foodManufacturer.inKindDonations = foodManufacturerData.inKindDonations;
     foodManufacturer.donateWastedFood = foodManufacturerData.donateWastedFood;
     foodManufacturer.manufacturerAttribute =
-      foodManufacturerData.manufacturerAttribute;
+      foodManufacturerData.manufacturerAttribute ?? null;
     foodManufacturer.additionalComments =
-      foodManufacturerData.additionalComments;
+      foodManufacturerData.additionalComments ?? null;
     foodManufacturer.newsletterSubscription =
-      foodManufacturerData.newsletterSubscription;
+      foodManufacturerData.newsletterSubscription ?? null;
 
     await this.repo.save(foodManufacturer);
   }
diff --git a/apps/backend/src/foodRequests/dtos/create-request.dto.ts b/apps/backend/src/foodRequests/dtos/create-request.dto.ts
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..9515bfcd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/backend/src/foodRequests/dtos/create-request.dto.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,27 @@
+import {
+  ArrayNotEmpty,
+  IsEnum,
+  IsNotEmpty,
+  IsNumber,
+  IsOptional,
+  IsString,
+} from 'class-validator';
+import { RequestSize } from '../types';
+import { FoodType } from '../../donationItems/types';
+
+export class CreateRequestDto {
+  @IsNumber()
+  pantryId!: number;
+
+  @IsEnum(RequestSize)
+  requestedSize!: RequestSize;
+
+  @ArrayNotEmpty()
+  @IsEnum(FoodType, { each: true })
+  requestedItems!: FoodType[];
+
+  @IsOptional()
+  @IsString()
+  @IsNotEmpty()
+  additionalInformation?: string;
+}
diff --git a/apps/backend/src/foodRequests/dtos/order-details.dto.ts b/apps/backend/src/foodRequests/dtos/order-details.dto.ts
index 21d360ec..392c5e42 100644
--- a/apps/backend/src/foodRequests/dtos/order-details.dto.ts
+++ b/apps/backend/src/foodRequests/dtos/order-details.dto.ts
@@ -2,14 +2,14 @@ import { FoodType } from '../../donationItems/types';
 import { OrderStatus } from '../../orders/types';
 
 export class OrderItemDetailsDto {
-  name: string;
-  quantity: number;
-  foodType: FoodType;
+  name!: string;
+  quantity!: number;
+  foodType!: FoodType;
 }
 
 export class OrderDetailsDto {
-  orderId: number;
-  status: OrderStatus;
-  foodManufacturerName: string;
-  items: OrderItemDetailsDto[];
+  orderId!: number;
+  status!: OrderStatus;
+  foodManufacturerName!: string;
+  items!: OrderItemDetailsDto[];
 }
diff --git a/apps/backend/src/foodRequests/request.controller.spec.ts b/apps/backend/src/foodRequests/request.controller.spec.ts
index 46772a4c..ada54836 100644
--- a/apps/backend/src/foodRequests/request.controller.spec.ts
+++ b/apps/backend/src/foodRequests/request.controller.spec.ts
@@ -7,6 +7,8 @@ import { RequestSize } from './types';
 import { OrderStatus } from '../orders/types';
 import { FoodType } from '../donationItems/types';
 import { OrderDetailsDto } from './dtos/order-details.dto';
+import { CreateRequestDto } from './dtos/create-request.dto';
+import { Order } from '../orders/order.entity';
 
 const mockRequestsService = mock<RequestsService>();
 
@@ -129,10 +131,13 @@ describe('RequestsController', () => {
 
   describe('POST /create', () => {
     it('should call requestsService.create and return the created food request', async () => {
-      const createBody: Partial<FoodRequest> = {
+      const createBody: Partial<CreateRequestDto> = {
         pantryId: 1,
         requestedSize: RequestSize.MEDIUM,
-        requestedItems: ['Test item 1', 'Test item 2'],
+        requestedItems: [
+          FoodType.DAIRY_FREE_ALTERNATIVES,
+          FoodType.DRIED_BEANS,
+        ],
         additionalInformation: 'Test information.',
       };
 
@@ -147,7 +152,9 @@ describe('RequestsController', () => {
         createdRequest as FoodRequest,
       );
 
-      const result = await controller.createRequest(createBody as FoodRequest);
+      const result = await controller.createRequest(
+        createBody as CreateRequestDto,
+      );
 
       expect(result).toEqual(createdRequest);
       expect(mockRequestsService.create).toHaveBeenCalledWith(
diff --git a/apps/backend/src/foodRequests/request.controller.ts b/apps/backend/src/foodRequests/request.controller.ts
index 665f7e57..9d2bcd01 100644
--- a/apps/backend/src/foodRequests/request.controller.ts
+++ b/apps/backend/src/foodRequests/request.controller.ts
@@ -5,6 +5,10 @@ import {
   ParseIntPipe,
   Post,
   Body,
+  UploadedFiles,
+  UseInterceptors,
+  NotFoundException,
+  ValidationPipe,
   BadRequestException,
 } from '@nestjs/common';
 import { ApiBody } from '@nestjs/swagger';
@@ -14,6 +18,7 @@ import { Roles } from '../auth/roles.decorator';
 import { Role } from '../users/types';
 import { RequestSize } from './types';
 import { OrderDetailsDto } from './dtos/order-details.dto';
+import { CreateRequestDto } from './dtos/create-request.dto';
 
 @Controller('requests')
 export class RequestsController {
@@ -68,24 +73,14 @@ export class RequestsController {
     },
   })
   async createRequest(
-    @Body()
-    body: {
-      pantryId: number;
-      requestedSize: RequestSize;
-      requestedItems: string[];
-      additionalInformation: string;
-    },
+    @Body(new ValidationPipe())
+    requestData: CreateRequestDto,
   ): Promise<FoodRequest> {
-    if (
-      !Object.values(RequestSize).includes(body.requestedSize as RequestSize)
-    ) {
-      throw new BadRequestException('Invalid request size');
-    }
     return this.requestsService.create(
-      body.pantryId,
-      body.requestedSize,
-      body.requestedItems,
-      body.additionalInformation,
+      requestData.pantryId,
+      requestData.requestedSize,
+      requestData.requestedItems,
+      requestData.additionalInformation,
     );
   }
 }
diff --git a/apps/backend/src/foodRequests/request.entity.ts b/apps/backend/src/foodRequests/request.entity.ts
index 8014c04a..efa66802 100644
--- a/apps/backend/src/foodRequests/request.entity.ts
+++ b/apps/backend/src/foodRequests/request.entity.ts
@@ -14,14 +14,14 @@ import { Pantry } from '../pantries/pantries.entity';
 @Entity('food_requests')
 export class FoodRequest {
   @PrimaryGeneratedColumn({ name: 'request_id' })
-  requestId: number;
+  requestId!: number;
 
   @Column({ name: 'pantry_id', type: 'int' })
-  pantryId: number;
+  pantryId!: number;
 
   @ManyToOne(() => Pantry, { nullable: false })
   @JoinColumn({ name: 'pantry_id', referencedColumnName: 'pantryId' })
-  pantry: Pantry;
+  pantry!: Pantry;
 
   @Column({
     name: 'requested_size',
@@ -29,20 +29,20 @@ export class FoodRequest {
     enum: RequestSize,
     enumName: 'request_size_enum',
   })
-  requestedSize: RequestSize;
+  requestedSize!: RequestSize;
 
   @Column({ name: 'requested_items', type: 'text', array: true })
-  requestedItems: string[];
+  requestedItems!: string[];
 
   @Column({ name: 'additional_information', type: 'text', nullable: true })
-  additionalInformation: string;
+  additionalInformation!: string | null;
 
   @CreateDateColumn({
     name: 'requested_at',
     type: 'timestamp',
     default: () => 'NOW()',
   })
-  requestedAt: Date;
+  requestedAt!: Date;
 
   @Column({
     name: 'status',
@@ -51,8 +51,8 @@ export class FoodRequest {
     enum: FoodRequestStatus,
     default: FoodRequestStatus.ACTIVE,
   })
-  status: FoodRequestStatus;
+  status!: FoodRequestStatus;
 
   @OneToMany(() => Order, (order) => order.request, { nullable: true })
-  orders: Order[];
+  orders!: Order[] | null;
 }
diff --git a/apps/backend/src/foodRequests/request.service.spec.ts b/apps/backend/src/foodRequests/request.service.spec.ts
index 7072157b..c8971250 100644
--- a/apps/backend/src/foodRequests/request.service.spec.ts
+++ b/apps/backend/src/foodRequests/request.service.spec.ts
@@ -17,14 +17,14 @@ const mockRequestsRepository = mock<Repository<FoodRequest>>();
 const mockPantryRepository = mock<Repository<Pantry>>();
 const mockOrdersRepository = mock<Repository<Order>>();
 
-const mockRequest: Partial<FoodRequest> = {
+const mockRequest = {
   requestId: 1,
   pantryId: 1,
   requestedItems: ['Canned Goods', 'Vegetables'],
   additionalInformation: 'No onions, please.',
-  requestedAt: null,
+  requestedAt: new Date(),
   orders: null,
-};
+} as FoodRequest;
 
 describe('RequestsService', () => {
   let service: RequestsService;
@@ -246,7 +246,7 @@ describe('RequestsService', () => {
         mockRequest.pantryId,
         mockRequest.requestedSize,
         mockRequest.requestedItems,
-        mockRequest.additionalInformation,
+        mockRequest.additionalInformation ?? undefined,
       );
 
       expect(result).toEqual(mockRequest);
@@ -286,7 +286,7 @@ describe('RequestsService', () => {
           requestedSize: RequestSize.LARGE,
           requestedItems: ['Rice', 'Beans'],
           additionalInformation: 'Gluten-free items only.',
-          requestedAt: null,
+          requestedAt: new Date(),
           orders: null,
         },
         {
@@ -295,7 +295,7 @@ describe('RequestsService', () => {
           requestedSize: RequestSize.SMALL,
           requestedItems: ['Fruits', 'Snacks'],
           additionalInformation: 'No nuts, please.',
-          requestedAt: null,
+          requestedAt: new Date(),
           orders: null,
         },
       ];
diff --git a/apps/backend/src/foodRequests/request.service.ts b/apps/backend/src/foodRequests/request.service.ts
index 0deee010..a5dc7ea7 100644
--- a/apps/backend/src/foodRequests/request.service.ts
+++ b/apps/backend/src/foodRequests/request.service.ts
@@ -78,7 +78,7 @@ export class RequestsService {
     pantryId: number,
     requestedSize: RequestSize,
     requestedItems: string[],
-    additionalInformation: string | undefined,
+    additionalInformation?: string,
   ): Promise<FoodRequest> {
     validateId(pantryId, 'Pantry');
 
diff --git a/apps/backend/src/migrations/1771524930613-DonationItemFoodTypeNotNull.ts b/apps/backend/src/migrations/1771524930613-DonationItemFoodTypeNotNull.ts
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..5041c50a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/backend/src/migrations/1771524930613-DonationItemFoodTypeNotNull.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+import { MigrationInterface, QueryRunner } from 'typeorm';
+
+export class DonationItemFoodTypeNotNull1771524930613
+  implements MigrationInterface
+{
+  public async up(queryRunner: QueryRunner): Promise<void> {
+    await queryRunner.query(`
+            ALTER TABLE donation_items
+            ALTER COLUMN food_type SET NOT NULL;
+        `);
+  }
+
+  public async down(queryRunner: QueryRunner): Promise<void> {
+    await queryRunner.query(`
+            ALTER TABLE donation_items
+            ALTER COLUMN food_type DROP NOT NULL;
+        `);
+  }
+}
diff --git a/apps/backend/src/orders/order.service.spec.ts b/apps/backend/src/orders/order.service.spec.ts
index a672cd29..33eff085 100644
--- a/apps/backend/src/orders/order.service.spec.ts
+++ b/apps/backend/src/orders/order.service.spec.ts
@@ -428,6 +428,8 @@ describe('OrdersService', () => {
 
       expect(shippedOrder).toBeDefined();
 
+      if (!shippedOrder) throw new Error('Missing shipped order test object');
+
       const dateReceived = new Date().toISOString();
       const feedback = 'Perfect delivery!';
       const photos = ['photo1.jpg', 'photo2.jpg'];
@@ -450,6 +452,9 @@ describe('OrdersService', () => {
         relations: ['orders'],
       });
 
+      if (!updatedRequest)
+        throw new Error('Missing updatedRequest test object');
+
       expect(updatedRequest.status).toBe(FoodRequestStatus.CLOSED);
     });
 
@@ -465,6 +470,9 @@ describe('OrdersService', () => {
 
       expect(existingShippedOrder).toBeDefined();
 
+      if (!existingShippedOrder)
+        throw new Error('Missing existingShippedOrder test object');
+
       // Add a second shipped order to the same request so it stays active after delivery
       const secondOrder = orderRepo.create({
         requestId: existingShippedOrder.requestId,
@@ -495,6 +503,9 @@ describe('OrdersService', () => {
         relations: ['orders'],
       });
 
+      if (!updatedRequest)
+        throw new Error('Missing updatedRequest test object');
+
       expect(updatedRequest.status).toBe(FoodRequestStatus.ACTIVE);
     });
 
@@ -521,6 +532,8 @@ describe('OrdersService', () => {
 
       expect(pendingOrder).toBeDefined();
 
+      if (!pendingOrder) throw new Error('Missing pendingOrder test object');
+
       await expect(
         service.confirmDelivery(
           pendingOrder.orderId,
@@ -541,6 +554,9 @@ describe('OrdersService', () => {
 
       expect(deliveredOrder).toBeDefined();
 
+      if (!deliveredOrder)
+        throw new Error('Missing deliveredOrder test object');
+
       await expect(
         service.confirmDelivery(
           deliveredOrder.orderId,
diff --git a/apps/backend/src/orders/order.service.ts b/apps/backend/src/orders/order.service.ts
index 8b62a51a..17aeffd8 100644
--- a/apps/backend/src/orders/order.service.ts
+++ b/apps/backend/src/orders/order.service.ts
@@ -106,6 +106,10 @@ export class OrdersService {
       pantryId: request.pantryId,
     });
 
+    if (!pantry) {
+      throw new NotFoundException(`Pantry ${request.pantryId} not found`);
+    }
+
     return pantry;
   }
 
@@ -180,7 +184,7 @@ export class OrdersService {
     }
 
     order.dateReceived = formattedDate;
-    order.feedback = dto.feedback;
+    order.feedback = dto.feedback ?? null;
     order.photos = photos;
     order.status = OrderStatus.DELIVERED;
 
diff --git a/apps/backend/src/pantries/dtos/pantry-application.dto.ts b/apps/backend/src/pantries/dtos/pantry-application.dto.ts
index 09943e60..3a71c176 100644
--- a/apps/backend/src/pantries/dtos/pantry-application.dto.ts
+++ b/apps/backend/src/pantries/dtos/pantry-application.dto.ts
@@ -23,17 +23,17 @@ export class PantryApplicationDto {
   @IsString()
   @IsNotEmpty()
   @Length(1, 255)
-  contactFirstName: string;
+  contactFirstName!: string;
 
   @IsString()
   @IsNotEmpty()
   @Length(1, 255)
-  contactLastName: string;
+  contactLastName!: string;
 
   @IsEmail()
   @IsNotEmpty()
   @Length(1, 255)
-  contactEmail: string;
+  contactEmail!: string;
 
   // This validation is very strict and won't accept phone numbers
   // that look right but aren't actually possible phone numbers
@@ -43,10 +43,10 @@ export class PantryApplicationDto {
     message:
       'contactPhone must be a valid phone number (make sure all the digits are correct)',
   })
-  contactPhone: string;
+  contactPhone!: string;
 
   @IsBoolean()
-  hasEmailContact: boolean;
+  hasEmailContact!: boolean;
 
   @IsOptional()
   @IsString()
@@ -83,12 +83,12 @@ export class PantryApplicationDto {
   @IsString()
   @IsNotEmpty()
   @Length(1, 255)
-  pantryName: string;
+  pantryName!: string;
 
   @IsString()
   @IsNotEmpty()
   @Length(1, 255)
-  shipmentAddressLine1: string;
+  shipmentAddressLine1!: string;
 
   @IsOptional()
   @IsString()
@@ -99,17 +99,17 @@ export class PantryApplicationDto {
   @IsString()
   @IsNotEmpty()
   @Length(1, 255)
-  shipmentAddressCity: string;
+  shipmentAddressCity!: string;
 
   @IsString()
   @IsNotEmpty()
   @Length(1, 255)
-  shipmentAddressState: string;
+  shipmentAddressState!: string;
 
   @IsString()
   @IsNotEmpty()
   @Length(1, 255)
-  shipmentAddressZip: string;
+  shipmentAddressZip!: string;
 
   @IsOptional()
   @IsString()
@@ -120,7 +120,7 @@ export class PantryApplicationDto {
   @IsString()
   @IsNotEmpty()
   @Length(1, 255)
-  mailingAddressLine1: string;
+  mailingAddressLine1!: string;
 
   @IsOptional()
   @IsString()
@@ -131,17 +131,17 @@ export class PantryApplicationDto {
   @IsString()
   @IsNotEmpty()
   @Length(1, 255)
-  mailingAddressCity: string;
+  mailingAddressCity!: string;
 
   @IsString()
   @IsNotEmpty()
   @Length(1, 255)
-  mailingAddressState: string;
+  mailingAddressState!: string;
 
   @IsString()
   @IsNotEmpty()
   @Length(1, 255)
-  mailingAddressZip: string;
+  mailingAddressZip!: string;
 
   @IsOptional()
   @IsString()
@@ -152,19 +152,19 @@ export class PantryApplicationDto {
   @IsString()
   @IsNotEmpty()
   @Length(1, 25)
-  allergenClients: string;
+  allergenClients!: string;
 
-  @IsOptional()
+  @ArrayNotEmpty()
   @IsString({ each: true })
   @IsNotEmpty({ each: true })
   @MaxLength(255, { each: true })
-  restrictions?: string[];
+  restrictions!: string[];
 
   @IsEnum(RefrigeratedDonation)
-  refrigeratedDonation: RefrigeratedDonation;
+  refrigeratedDonation!: RefrigeratedDonation;
 
   @IsBoolean()
-  acceptFoodDeliveries: boolean;
+  acceptFoodDeliveries!: boolean;
 
   @IsOptional()
   @IsString()
@@ -172,7 +172,7 @@ export class PantryApplicationDto {
   deliveryWindowInstructions?: string;
 
   @IsEnum(ReserveFoodForAllergic)
-  reserveFoodForAllergic: ReserveFoodForAllergic;
+  reserveFoodForAllergic!: ReserveFoodForAllergic;
 
   // TODO: Really, this validation should be different depending on the value of reserveFoodForAllergic
   @IsOptional()
@@ -181,7 +181,7 @@ export class PantryApplicationDto {
   reservationExplanation?: string;
 
   @IsBoolean()
-  dedicatedAllergyFriendly: boolean;
+  dedicatedAllergyFriendly!: boolean;
 
   @IsOptional()
   @IsEnum(ClientVisitFrequency)
@@ -197,7 +197,7 @@ export class PantryApplicationDto {
 
   @ArrayNotEmpty()
   @IsEnum(Activity, { each: true })
-  activities: Activity[];
+  activities!: Activity[];
 
   @IsOptional()
   @IsString()
@@ -208,12 +208,12 @@ export class PantryApplicationDto {
   @IsString()
   @IsNotEmpty()
   @Length(1, 255)
-  itemsInStock: string;
+  itemsInStock!: string;
 
   @IsString()
   @IsNotEmpty()
   @Length(1, 255)
-  needMoreOptions: string;
+  needMoreOptions!: string;
 
   @IsOptional()
   @IsBoolean()
diff --git a/apps/backend/src/pantries/pantries.controller.spec.ts b/apps/backend/src/pantries/pantries.controller.spec.ts
index baeb8766..5e1f3bc9 100644
--- a/apps/backend/src/pantries/pantries.controller.spec.ts
+++ b/apps/backend/src/pantries/pantries.controller.spec.ts
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@ import { EmailsService } from '../emails/email.service';
 import { ApplicationStatus } from '../shared/types';
 import { NotFoundException, UnauthorizedException } from '@nestjs/common';
 import { User } from '../users/user.entity';
+import { AuthenticatedRequest } from '../auth/authenticated-request';
 
 const mockPantriesService = mock<PantriesService>();
 const mockOrdersService = mock<OrdersService>();
@@ -40,7 +41,7 @@ describe('PantriesController', () => {
     contactEmail: 'jane.smith@example.com',
     contactPhone: '(508) 222-2222',
     hasEmailContact: true,
-    emailContactOther: null,
+    emailContactOther: undefined,
     secondaryContactFirstName: 'John',
     secondaryContactLastName: 'Doe',
     secondaryContactEmail: 'john.doe@example.com',
@@ -259,25 +260,23 @@ describe('PantriesController', () => {
       const pantry: Partial<Pantry> = { pantryId: 10 };
       mockPantriesService.findByUserId.mockResolvedValueOnce(pantry as Pantry);
 
-      const result = await controller.getCurrentUserPantryId(req);
+      const result = await controller.getCurrentUserPantryId(
+        req as AuthenticatedRequest,
+      );
 
       expect(result).toEqual(10);
       expect(mockPantriesService.findByUserId).toHaveBeenCalledWith(1);
     });
 
-    it('throws UnauthorizedException when unauthenticated', async () => {
-      await expect(controller.getCurrentUserPantryId({})).rejects.toThrow(
-        new UnauthorizedException('Not authenticated'),
-      );
-    });
-
     it('propagates NotFoundException from service', async () => {
       const req = { user: { id: 999 } };
       mockPantriesService.findByUserId.mockRejectedValueOnce(
         new NotFoundException('Pantry for User 999 not found'),
       );
 
-      const promise = controller.getCurrentUserPantryId(req);
+      const promise = controller.getCurrentUserPantryId(
+        req as AuthenticatedRequest,
+      );
       await expect(promise).rejects.toBeInstanceOf(NotFoundException);
       await expect(promise).rejects.toThrow('Pantry for User 999 not found');
       expect(mockPantriesService.findByUserId).toHaveBeenCalledWith(999);
diff --git a/apps/backend/src/pantries/pantries.controller.ts b/apps/backend/src/pantries/pantries.controller.ts
index d8b4276f..746e67aa 100644
--- a/apps/backend/src/pantries/pantries.controller.ts
+++ b/apps/backend/src/pantries/pantries.controller.ts
@@ -7,7 +7,6 @@ import {
   Patch,
   Post,
   Req,
-  UnauthorizedException,
 } from '@nestjs/common';
 import { Pantry } from './pantries.entity';
 import { PantriesService } from './pantries.service';
@@ -27,8 +26,9 @@ import {
 import { Order } from '../orders/order.entity';
 import { OrdersService } from '../orders/order.service';
 import { EmailsService } from '../emails/email.service';
-import { SendEmailDTO } from '../emails/types';
+import { SendEmailDTO } from '../emails/dto/send-email.dto';
 import { Public } from '../auth/public.decorator';
+import { AuthenticatedRequest } from '../auth/authenticated-request';
 
 @Controller('pantries')
 export class PantriesController {
@@ -40,11 +40,10 @@ export class PantriesController {
 
   @Roles(Role.PANTRY)
   @Get('/my-id')
-  async getCurrentUserPantryId(@Req() req): Promise<number> {
+  async getCurrentUserPantryId(
+    @Req() req: AuthenticatedRequest,
+  ): Promise<number> {
     const currentUser = req.user;
-    if (!currentUser) {
-      throw new UnauthorizedException('Not authenticated');
-    }
 
     const pantry = await this.pantriesService.findByUserId(currentUser.id);
     return pantry.pantryId;
diff --git a/apps/backend/src/pantries/pantries.entity.ts b/apps/backend/src/pantries/pantries.entity.ts
index 08767f2c..395f14a0 100644
--- a/apps/backend/src/pantries/pantries.entity.ts
+++ b/apps/backend/src/pantries/pantries.entity.ts
@@ -20,13 +20,13 @@ import { ApplicationStatus } from '../shared/types';
 @Entity('pantries')
 export class Pantry {
   @PrimaryGeneratedColumn({ name: 'pantry_id' })
-  pantryId: number;
+  pantryId!: number;
 
   @Column({ name: 'pantry_name', type: 'varchar', length: 255 })
-  pantryName: string;
+  pantryName!: string;
 
   @Column({ name: 'shipment_address_line_1', type: 'varchar', length: 255 })
-  shipmentAddressLine1: string;
+  shipmentAddressLine1!: string;
 
   @Column({
     name: 'shipment_address_line_2',
@@ -34,16 +34,16 @@ export class Pantry {
     length: 255,
     nullable: true,
   })
-  shipmentAddressLine2?: string;
+  shipmentAddressLine2!: string | null;
 
   @Column({ name: 'shipment_address_city', type: 'varchar', length: 255 })
-  shipmentAddressCity: string;
+  shipmentAddressCity!: string;
 
   @Column({ name: 'shipment_address_state', type: 'varchar', length: 255 })
-  shipmentAddressState: string;
+  shipmentAddressState!: string;
 
   @Column({ name: 'shipment_address_zip', type: 'varchar', length: 255 })
-  shipmentAddressZip: string;
+  shipmentAddressZip!: string;
 
   @Column({
     name: 'shipment_address_country',
@@ -51,10 +51,10 @@ export class Pantry {
     length: 255,
     nullable: true,
   })
-  shipmentAddressCountry?: string;
+  shipmentAddressCountry!: string | null;
 
   @Column({ name: 'mailing_address_line_1', type: 'varchar', length: 255 })
-  mailingAddressLine1: string;
+  mailingAddressLine1!: string;
 
   @Column({
     name: 'mailing_address_line_2',
@@ -62,16 +62,16 @@ export class Pantry {
     length: 255,
     nullable: true,
   })
-  mailingAddressLine2?: string;
+  mailingAddressLine2!: string | null;
 
   @Column({ name: 'mailing_address_city', type: 'varchar', length: 255 })
-  mailingAddressCity: string;
+  mailingAddressCity!: string;
 
   @Column({ name: 'mailing_address_state', type: 'varchar', length: 255 })
-  mailingAddressState: string;
+  mailingAddressState!: string;
 
   @Column({ name: 'mailing_address_zip', type: 'varchar', length: 255 })
-  mailingAddressZip: string;
+  mailingAddressZip!: string;
 
   @Column({
     name: 'mailing_address_country',
@@ -79,10 +79,10 @@ export class Pantry {
     length: 255,
     nullable: true,
   })
-  mailingAddressCountry?: string;
+  mailingAddressCountry!: string | null;
 
   @Column({ name: 'allergen_clients', type: 'varchar', length: 25 })
-  allergenClients: string;
+  allergenClients!: string;
 
   @Column({
     name: 'refrigerated_donation',
@@ -90,17 +90,17 @@ export class Pantry {
     enum: RefrigeratedDonation,
     enumName: 'refrigerated_donation_enum',
   })
-  refrigeratedDonation: RefrigeratedDonation;
+  refrigeratedDonation!: RefrigeratedDonation;
 
   @Column({ name: 'accept_food_deliveries', type: 'boolean' })
-  acceptFoodDeliveries: boolean;
+  acceptFoodDeliveries!: boolean;
 
   @Column({
     name: 'delivery_window_instructions',
     type: 'text',
     nullable: true,
   })
-  deliveryWindowInstructions?: string;
+  deliveryWindowInstructions!: string | null;
 
   @Column({
     name: 'reserve_food_for_allergic',
@@ -108,16 +108,16 @@ export class Pantry {
     enum: ReserveFoodForAllergic,
     enumName: 'reserve_food_for_allergic_enum',
   })
-  reserveFoodForAllergic: string;
+  reserveFoodForAllergic!: ReserveFoodForAllergic;
 
   @Column({ name: 'reservation_explanation', type: 'text', nullable: true })
-  reservationExplanation?: string;
+  reservationExplanation!: string | null;
 
   @Column({
     name: 'dedicated_allergy_friendly',
     type: 'boolean',
   })
-  dedicatedAllergyFriendly: boolean;
+  dedicatedAllergyFriendly!: boolean;
 
   @Column({
     name: 'client_visit_frequency',
@@ -126,7 +126,7 @@ export class Pantry {
     enumName: 'client_visit_frequency_enum',
     nullable: true,
   })
-  clientVisitFrequency?: ClientVisitFrequency;
+  clientVisitFrequency!: ClientVisitFrequency | null;
 
   @Column({
     name: 'identify_allergens_confidence',
@@ -135,7 +135,7 @@ export class Pantry {
     enumName: 'allergens_confidence_enum',
     nullable: true,
   })
-  identifyAllergensConfidence?: AllergensConfidence;
+  identifyAllergensConfidence!: AllergensConfidence | null;
 
   @Column({
     name: 'serve_allergic_children',
@@ -144,19 +144,19 @@ export class Pantry {
     enumName: 'serve_allergic_children_enum',
     nullable: true,
   })
-  serveAllergicChildren?: ServeAllergicChildren;
+  serveAllergicChildren!: ServeAllergicChildren | null;
 
   @Column({ name: 'newsletter_subscription', type: 'boolean', nullable: true })
-  newsletterSubscription?: boolean;
+  newsletterSubscription!: boolean | null;
 
   @Column({ name: 'restrictions', type: 'text', array: true })
-  restrictions: string[];
+  restrictions!: string[];
 
   @Column({ name: 'has_email_contact', type: 'boolean' })
-  hasEmailContact: boolean;
+  hasEmailContact!: boolean;
 
   @Column({ name: 'email_contact_other', type: 'text', nullable: true })
-  emailContactOther?: string;
+  emailContactOther!: string | null;
 
   @Column({
     name: 'secondary_contact_first_name',
@@ -164,7 +164,7 @@ export class Pantry {
     length: 255,
     nullable: true,
   })
-  secondaryContactFirstName?: string;
+  secondaryContactFirstName!: string | null;
 
   @Column({
     name: 'secondary_contact_last_name',
@@ -172,7 +172,7 @@ export class Pantry {
     length: 255,
     nullable: true,
   })
-  secondaryContactLastName?: string;
+  secondaryContactLastName!: string | null;
 
   @Column({
     name: 'secondary_contact_email',
@@ -180,7 +180,7 @@ export class Pantry {
     length: 255,
     nullable: true,
   })
-  secondaryContactEmail?: string;
+  secondaryContactEmail!: string | null;
 
   @Column({
     name: 'secondary_contact_phone',
@@ -188,7 +188,7 @@ export class Pantry {
     length: 20,
     nullable: true,
   })
-  secondaryContactPhone?: string;
+  secondaryContactPhone!: string | null;
 
   // cascade: ['insert'] means that when we create a new
   // pantry, the pantry user will automatically be added
@@ -202,7 +202,7 @@ export class Pantry {
     name: 'pantry_user_id',
     referencedColumnName: 'id',
   })
-  pantryUser: User;
+  pantryUser!: User;
 
   @Column({
     name: 'status',
@@ -210,14 +210,14 @@ export class Pantry {
     enum: ApplicationStatus,
     enumName: 'application_status_enum',
   })
-  status: ApplicationStatus;
+  status!: ApplicationStatus;
 
   @Column({
     name: 'date_applied',
     type: 'timestamp',
     default: () => 'CURRENT_TIMESTAMP',
   })
-  dateApplied: Date;
+  dateApplied!: Date;
 
   @Column({
     name: 'activities',
@@ -226,17 +226,17 @@ export class Pantry {
     enumName: 'activity_enum',
     array: true,
   })
-  activities: Activity[];
+  activities!: Activity[];
 
   @Column({ name: 'activities_comments', type: 'text', nullable: true })
-  activitiesComments?: string;
+  activitiesComments!: string | null;
 
   @Column({ name: 'items_in_stock', type: 'text' })
-  itemsInStock: string;
+  itemsInStock!: string;
 
   @Column({ name: 'need_more_options', type: 'text' })
-  needMoreOptions: string;
+  needMoreOptions!: string;
 
   @ManyToMany(() => User, (user) => user.pantries)
-  volunteers?: User[];
+  volunteers!: User[] | null;
 }
diff --git a/apps/backend/src/pantries/pantries.service.spec.ts b/apps/backend/src/pantries/pantries.service.spec.ts
index 1b54f4f3..8163c1eb 100644
--- a/apps/backend/src/pantries/pantries.service.spec.ts
+++ b/apps/backend/src/pantries/pantries.service.spec.ts
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@ import { Test, TestingModule } from '@nestjs/testing';
 import { PantriesService } from './pantries.service';
 import { getRepositoryToken } from '@nestjs/typeorm';
 import { Pantry } from './pantries.entity';
-import { Repository } from 'typeorm';
+import { Repository, UpdateResult } from 'typeorm';
 import { NotFoundException } from '@nestjs/common';
 import { mock } from 'jest-mock-extended';
 import { PantryApplicationDto } from './dtos/pantry-application.dto';
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ describe('PantriesService', () => {
     contactEmail: 'jane.smith@example.com',
     contactPhone: '(508) 222-2222',
     hasEmailContact: true,
-    emailContactOther: null,
+    emailContactOther: undefined,
     secondaryContactFirstName: 'John',
     secondaryContactLastName: 'Doe',
     secondaryContactEmail: 'john.doe@example.com',
@@ -164,7 +164,7 @@ describe('PantriesService', () => {
   describe('approve', () => {
     it('should approve a pantry', async () => {
       mockRepository.findOne.mockResolvedValueOnce(mockPendingPantry);
-      mockRepository.update.mockResolvedValueOnce(undefined);
+      mockRepository.update.mockResolvedValueOnce({} as UpdateResult);
 
       await service.approve(1);
 
@@ -191,7 +191,7 @@ describe('PantriesService', () => {
   describe('deny', () => {
     it('should deny a pantry', async () => {
       mockRepository.findOne.mockResolvedValueOnce(mockPendingPantry);
-      mockRepository.update.mockResolvedValueOnce(undefined);
+      mockRepository.update.mockResolvedValueOnce({} as UpdateResult);
 
       await service.deny(1);
 
diff --git a/apps/backend/src/pantries/pantries.service.ts b/apps/backend/src/pantries/pantries.service.ts
index 24238e92..8755c419 100644
--- a/apps/backend/src/pantries/pantries.service.ts
+++ b/apps/backend/src/pantries/pantries.service.ts
@@ -46,29 +46,31 @@ export class PantriesService {
 
     pantry.pantryUser = pantryContact;
     pantry.hasEmailContact = pantryData.hasEmailContact;
-    pantry.emailContactOther = pantryData.emailContactOther;
+    pantry.emailContactOther = pantryData.emailContactOther ?? null;
 
     // secondary contact information
-    pantry.secondaryContactFirstName = pantryData.secondaryContactFirstName;
-    pantry.secondaryContactLastName = pantryData.secondaryContactLastName;
-    pantry.secondaryContactEmail = pantryData.secondaryContactEmail;
-    pantry.secondaryContactPhone = pantryData.secondaryContactPhone;
+    pantry.secondaryContactFirstName =
+      pantryData.secondaryContactFirstName ?? null;
+    pantry.secondaryContactLastName =
+      pantryData.secondaryContactLastName ?? null;
+    pantry.secondaryContactEmail = pantryData.secondaryContactEmail ?? null;
+    pantry.secondaryContactPhone = pantryData.secondaryContactPhone ?? null;
 
     // food shipment address information
     pantry.shipmentAddressLine1 = pantryData.shipmentAddressLine1;
-    pantry.shipmentAddressLine2 = pantryData.shipmentAddressLine2;
+    pantry.shipmentAddressLine2 = pantryData.shipmentAddressLine2 ?? null;
     pantry.shipmentAddressCity = pantryData.shipmentAddressCity;
     pantry.shipmentAddressState = pantryData.shipmentAddressState;
     pantry.shipmentAddressZip = pantryData.shipmentAddressZip;
-    pantry.shipmentAddressCountry = pantryData.shipmentAddressCountry;
+    pantry.shipmentAddressCountry = pantryData.shipmentAddressCountry ?? null;
 
     // mailing address information
     pantry.mailingAddressLine1 = pantryData.mailingAddressLine1;
-    pantry.mailingAddressLine2 = pantryData.mailingAddressLine2;
+    pantry.mailingAddressLine2 = pantryData.mailingAddressLine2 ?? null;
     pantry.mailingAddressCity = pantryData.mailingAddressCity;
     pantry.mailingAddressState = pantryData.mailingAddressState;
     pantry.mailingAddressZip = pantryData.mailingAddressZip;
-    pantry.mailingAddressCountry = pantryData.mailingAddressCountry;
+    pantry.mailingAddressCountry = pantryData.mailingAddressCountry ?? null;
 
     // pantry details information
     pantry.pantryName = pantryData.pantryName;
@@ -77,15 +79,16 @@ export class PantriesService {
     pantry.refrigeratedDonation = pantryData.refrigeratedDonation;
     pantry.dedicatedAllergyFriendly = pantryData.dedicatedAllergyFriendly;
     pantry.reserveFoodForAllergic = pantryData.reserveFoodForAllergic;
-    pantry.reservationExplanation = pantryData.reservationExplanation;
-    pantry.clientVisitFrequency = pantryData.clientVisitFrequency;
-    pantry.identifyAllergensConfidence = pantryData.identifyAllergensConfidence;
-    pantry.serveAllergicChildren = pantryData.serveAllergicChildren;
+    pantry.reservationExplanation = pantryData.reservationExplanation ?? null;
+    pantry.clientVisitFrequency = pantryData.clientVisitFrequency ?? null;
+    pantry.identifyAllergensConfidence =
+      pantryData.identifyAllergensConfidence ?? null;
+    pantry.serveAllergicChildren = pantryData.serveAllergicChildren ?? null;
     pantry.activities = pantryData.activities;
-    pantry.activitiesComments = pantryData.activitiesComments;
+    pantry.activitiesComments = pantryData.activitiesComments ?? null;
     pantry.itemsInStock = pantryData.itemsInStock;
     pantry.needMoreOptions = pantryData.needMoreOptions;
-    pantry.newsletterSubscription = pantryData.newsletterSubscription;
+    pantry.newsletterSubscription = pantryData.newsletterSubscription ?? null;
 
     // pantry contact is automatically added to User table
     await this.repo.save(pantry);
diff --git a/apps/backend/src/users/dtos/userSchema.dto.ts b/apps/backend/src/users/dtos/userSchema.dto.ts
index ac8cd1ec..2f110c0b 100644
--- a/apps/backend/src/users/dtos/userSchema.dto.ts
+++ b/apps/backend/src/users/dtos/userSchema.dto.ts
@@ -12,17 +12,17 @@ export class userSchemaDto {
   @IsEmail()
   @IsNotEmpty()
   @Length(1, 255)
-  email: string;
+  email!: string;
 
   @IsString()
   @IsNotEmpty()
   @Length(1, 255)
-  firstName: string;
+  firstName!: string;
 
   @IsString()
   @IsNotEmpty()
   @Length(1, 255)
-  lastName: string;
+  lastName!: string;
 
   @IsString()
   @IsNotEmpty()
@@ -30,8 +30,8 @@ export class userSchemaDto {
     message:
       'phone must be a valid phone number (make sure all the digits are correct)',
   })
-  phone: string;
+  phone!: string;
 
   @IsEnum(Role)
-  role: Role;
+  role!: Role;
 }
diff --git a/apps/backend/src/users/user.entity.ts b/apps/backend/src/users/user.entity.ts
index 4481b22d..14641579 100644
--- a/apps/backend/src/users/user.entity.ts
+++ b/apps/backend/src/users/user.entity.ts
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ import { Pantry } from '../pantries/pantries.entity';
 @Entity()
 export class User {
   @PrimaryGeneratedColumn({ name: 'user_id' })
-  id: number;
+  id!: number;
 
   @Column({
     type: 'enum',
@@ -21,22 +21,22 @@ export class User {
     enumName: 'users_role_enum',
     default: Role.VOLUNTEER,
   })
-  role: Role;
+  role!: Role;
 
   @Column()
-  firstName: string;
+  firstName!: string;
 
   @Column()
-  lastName: string;
+  lastName!: string;
 
   @Column()
-  email: string;
+  email!: string;
 
   @Column({
     type: 'varchar',
     length: 20,
   })
-  phone: string;
+  phone!: string;
 
   @Column({
     type: 'varchar',
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ export class User {
     name: 'user_cognito_sub',
     default: '',
   })
-  userCognitoSub: string;
+  userCognitoSub!: string;
 
   @ManyToMany(() => Pantry, (pantry) => pantry.volunteers)
   @JoinTable({
@@ -58,5 +58,5 @@ export class User {
       referencedColumnName: 'pantryId',
     },
   })
-  pantries?: Pantry[];
+  pantries!: Pantry[] | null;
 }
diff --git a/apps/backend/src/users/users.controller.spec.ts b/apps/backend/src/users/users.controller.spec.ts
index 97811a0e..f373f5cb 100644
--- a/apps/backend/src/users/users.controller.spec.ts
+++ b/apps/backend/src/users/users.controller.spec.ts
@@ -257,8 +257,8 @@ describe('UsersController', () => {
 
       expect(result).toEqual(updatedUser);
       expect(result.pantries).toHaveLength(2);
-      expect(result.pantries[0].pantryId).toBe(1);
-      expect(result.pantries[1].pantryId).toBe(3);
+      expect(result.pantries![0]!.pantryId).toBe(1);
+      expect(result.pantries![1]!.pantryId).toBe(3);
       expect(mockUserService.assignPantriesToVolunteer).toHaveBeenCalledWith(
         3,
         pantryIds,
diff --git a/apps/backend/src/users/users.service.ts b/apps/backend/src/users/users.service.ts
index 8432ba1a..bff9435e 100644
--- a/apps/backend/src/users/users.service.ts
+++ b/apps/backend/src/users/users.service.ts
@@ -115,14 +115,14 @@ export class UsersService {
       const { pantries, ...volunteerWithoutPantries } = v;
       return {
         ...volunteerWithoutPantries,
-        pantryIds: pantries.map((p) => p.pantryId),
+        pantryIds: (pantries ?? []).map((p) => p.pantryId),
       };
     });
   }
 
   async getVolunteerPantries(volunteerId: number): Promise<Pantry[]> {
     const volunteer = await this.findVolunteer(volunteerId);
-    return volunteer.pantries;
+    return volunteer.pantries ?? [];
   }
 
   async assignPantriesToVolunteer(
@@ -134,12 +134,12 @@ export class UsersService {
     const volunteer = await this.findVolunteer(volunteerId);
 
     const pantries = await this.pantriesService.findByIds(pantryIds);
-    const existingPantryIds = volunteer.pantries.map((p) => p.pantryId);
+    const existingPantryIds = (volunteer.pantries ?? []).map((p) => p.pantryId);
     const newPantries = pantries.filter(
       (p) => !existingPantryIds.includes(p.pantryId),
     );
 
-    volunteer.pantries = [...volunteer.pantries, ...newPantries];
+    volunteer.pantries = [...(volunteer.pantries ?? []), ...newPantries];
     return this.repo.save(volunteer);
   }
 
diff --git a/apps/backend/src/utils/validation.utils.spec.ts b/apps/backend/src/utils/validation.utils.spec.ts
index 6b390840..01c1f790 100644
--- a/apps/backend/src/utils/validation.utils.spec.ts
+++ b/apps/backend/src/utils/validation.utils.spec.ts
@@ -1,5 +1,8 @@
-import { BadRequestException } from '@nestjs/common';
-import { validateId } from './validation.utils';
+import {
+  BadRequestException,
+  InternalServerErrorException,
+} from '@nestjs/common';
+import { validateEnv, validateId } from './validation.utils';
 
 describe('validateId', () => {
   it('should not throw an error for a valid ID', () => {
@@ -12,3 +15,27 @@ describe('validateId', () => {
     );
   });
 });
+
+describe('validateEnv', () => {
+  const ENV_NAME = 'TEST_ENV_VAR';
+
+  afterEach(() => {
+    delete process.env[ENV_NAME];
+  });
+
+  it('should return the env variable value if it exists', () => {
+    process.env[ENV_NAME] = 'some-value';
+
+    const result = validateEnv(ENV_NAME);
+
+    expect(result).toBe('some-value');
+  });
+
+  it('should throw InternalServerErrorException if env variable is missing', () => {
+    delete process.env[ENV_NAME];
+
+    expect(() => validateEnv(ENV_NAME)).toThrow(
+      new InternalServerErrorException(`Missing env var: ${ENV_NAME}`),
+    );
+  });
+});
diff --git a/apps/backend/src/utils/validation.utils.ts b/apps/backend/src/utils/validation.utils.ts
index 5c4f14a7..be7f141a 100644
--- a/apps/backend/src/utils/validation.utils.ts
+++ b/apps/backend/src/utils/validation.utils.ts
@@ -1,7 +1,20 @@
-import { BadRequestException } from '@nestjs/common';
+import {
+  BadRequestException,
+  InternalServerErrorException,
+} from '@nestjs/common';
 
 export function validateId(id: number, entityName: string): void {
   if (!id || id < 1) {
     throw new BadRequestException(`Invalid ${entityName} ID`);
   }
 }
+
+export function validateEnv(name: string): string {
+  const v = process.env[name];
+
+  if (!v) {
+    throw new InternalServerErrorException(`Missing env var: ${name}`);
+  }
+
+  return v;
+}
diff --git a/apps/backend/tsconfig.json b/apps/backend/tsconfig.json
index c1e2dd4e..0e3d25aa 100644
--- a/apps/backend/tsconfig.json
+++ b/apps/backend/tsconfig.json
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@
     }
   ],
   "compilerOptions": {
-    "esModuleInterop": true
+    "esModuleInterop": true,
+    "strict": true
   }
 }
diff --git a/apps/frontend/src/components/forms/requestFormModal.tsx b/apps/frontend/src/components/forms/requestFormModal.tsx
index 96ae9b8c..07216c6a 100644
--- a/apps/frontend/src/components/forms/requestFormModal.tsx
+++ b/apps/frontend/src/components/forms/requestFormModal.tsx
@@ -64,7 +64,7 @@ const FoodRequestFormModal: React.FC<FoodRequestFormModalProps> = ({
     const foodRequestData: CreateFoodRequestBody = {
       pantryId,
       requestedSize: requestedSize as RequestSize,
-      additionalInformation: additionalNotes || '',
+      additionalInformation: additionalNotes || undefined,
       requestedItems: selectedItems,
     };
 
diff --git a/apps/frontend/src/types/types.ts b/apps/frontend/src/types/types.ts
index f5555dc0..7bceeff4 100644
--- a/apps/frontend/src/types/types.ts
+++ b/apps/frontend/src/types/types.ts
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ export interface PantryApplicationDto {
   mailingAddressZip: string;
   mailingAddressCountry?: string;
   allergenClients: string;
-  restrictions?: string[];
+  restrictions: string[];
   refrigeratedDonation: RefrigeratedDonation;
   acceptFoodDeliveries: boolean;
   deliveryWindowInstructions?: string;
@@ -101,6 +101,13 @@ export interface PantryApplicationDto {
   newsletterSubscription?: string;
 }
 
+export interface CreateRequestDto {
+  pantryId: number;
+  requestedSize: RequestSize;
+  requestedItems: FoodType[];
+  additionalInformation?: string;
+}
+
 export enum DonationStatus {
   MATCHED = 'matched',
   AVAILABLE = 'available',
@@ -198,7 +205,7 @@ export interface FoodRequest {
   pantry: Pantry;
   requestedSize: RequestSize;
   requestedItems: string[];
-  additionalInformation: string | null;
+  additionalInformation?: string;
   requestedAt: string;
   status: FoodRequestStatus;
   orders?: Order[];
@@ -265,7 +272,7 @@ export interface CreateFoodRequestBody {
   pantryId: number;
   requestedSize: RequestSize;
   requestedItems: string[];
-  additionalInformation?: string | null;
+  additionalInformation?: string;
 }
 
 export interface CreateMultipleDonationItemsBody {