When I had my daughter, my husband and I encountered unforeseen economic hardship. I wasn’t able to go back to work so instead of being a two income household we became dependent on one income. We couldn’t afford food at some point and needed help.
Fortunately, we were able to get help from a couple of local food banks. Food banks are great for people who are low income or on a fixed income like senior citizens. They are able to have their food needs met. Also, some food banks offer financial assistance for bills and medicine.
Here are my tips for donating to a food bank. This time of year is critical for some families who are dependent on this kind of help.
- Don’t donate expired food or food that has a short shelf life. Food banks can’t accept expired food.
- Cash is a great donation. It can be used for financial assistance or to get food and supplies the food bank may need. Cash also helps food banks buy meat or frozen vegetables for their clients.
- Donate spices like salt, pepper, sugar, Italian seasoning, chili powder, garlic powder, and cumin. These spices go well with many different dishes.
- Donate canned goods with pop tops. Some people may not have can openers or older kids may heat some food so having these cans are super helpful.
- Donate non-food items. Toilet paper, paper towels, plastic silverware, paper plates, cleaning supplies, dish soap, and toiletries like toothpaste, shampoo, soap, and deodorant.
- Give juices or juice boxes. Cranberry juice, prune juice or, vegetable juice are great for seniors who may be on a fixed income. Kids need juice boxes for lunches or quick snacks. Juices like apple and grape are good choices.
- Donate canned meat. Tuna fish or chicken are common for donating.
- Avoid donating glass containers. They are likely to break.
- Avoid donating exotic food choices. I recommend donating really basic items. If you wouldn’t eat it, then most people wouldn’t either.
- Types of cereals that are good to donate are corn flakes, Cheerios, Chex, and bran flakes. Try donating gluten-free cereals for those with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity. I would suggest donating oatmeal over grits because, though I love grits, oatmeal is healthier.
- Dry goods that are good to donate are rice, taco shells, plain pasta and boxed macaroni and cheese. Also, consider donating gluten-free pasta. Taco meal kits are good because they come with shells and seasoning. Spaghetti sauce and salsa are good to donate as well. Avoid glass jars though.
- Canned good donations include:
vegetables
tomatoes
green beans
corn
carrots
Fruit
pineapple
peaches
mandarin oranges
applesauce
Beans
black beans
pinto beans
refried beans
kidney beans
white beans
Soups
chicken soup
chicken noodle
cream of mushroom
cream of chicken
vegetable soup
tomato soup
chicken, vegetable or beef stock
chili
ravioli
Condiments
ketchup
mayonnaise
mustard
salsa
peanut butter
jelly
soy sauce
bbq sauce
evaporated milk
salad dressings like ranch, Italian, balsamic vinaigrette, and Caesar.
- Snacks are great to donate. Fruit snacks, jello, pudding, applesauce, trail mix, crackers, graham crackers, fruit bars, granola bars, and popcorn are well-liked choices.
- Coffee (either instant, ground coffee, or k-cup), tea or hot cocoa are great items to donate. Powder creamer is good too.
- Baby formula and food are much-needed items.
- Baked goods to donate are all-purpose flour, brown sugar, muffin mixes, pancake mixes, brownie mixes, sugar, olive oil, and vegetable oil. These standard items are so helpful.
Food banks are an essential part of a community. They largely depend on the generosity of their community and volunteers. Please consider these tips when donating.It was a humbling experience to seek help, but I was so grateful and appreciative of the generosity of complete strangers, It meant so much to my family.
If you would like to donate, check with local churches and organizations in your community. You can call and see what specific needs that they need. Schools, churches, and restaurants are doing can food drives this time of year. Volunteering time or donating food helps connect us to our communities. Giving back is a great feeling. Know that your items brighten someone’s day. I’m still grateful to this day for the help I have received.
