what should i donate to a food bank

Donation Suggestions

• Rice (especially whole grain)
• Oatmeal
• Pasta (especially whole grain)
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Canned vegetables
• Cooking oils (such as olive oil or canola oil)
• Flour

Full Answer

What foods do food banks need most?

Apr 15, 2021 · “Protein and dairy are always a really great option,” she explained. “Fish, shelf-stable dairy, vegetables and fruit. Fresh is great, but …

What is the best food to donate?

Nov 12, 2021 · Donations build healthier communities Canned goods and dry food items like pasta and rice are a vital part of our food banks and pantries—but no one can live healthy lives on non-perishable items alone. Providing communities with meals isn’t just about providing food, but about providing healthy food to all of our communities.

What restaurants donate food?

Jun 22, 2020 · Typically food banks are looking for donations of food products from supermarkets, such as: Cereal Soup Pasta Rice Tinned tomatoes/ pasta sauce Lentils, beans and pulses Tinned meat Tinned vegetables Tea/coffee Tinned fruit Biscuits UHT milk Fruit juice

What places accept food donations?

The best thing to donate to a food bank is money, because they can buy items in bulk, which feeds more people. If there is a canned food drive or a local food bank you wish to donate to, the first thing to remember is NO EXPIRED FOOD. Most food banks have someone checking dates and tossing out anything that is past the expiration date.

What is food insecurity?

Food insecurity is a lack of consistent access to enough food for every person within a home to live , and because many hungry households do not qualify for federal nutrition programs, they rely solely on local food banks for survival.

Is fresh fruit good for you?

Fresh is great, but dried fruit and canned vegetables that are low in sodium are good. "Another category is culturally significant food. There is such a huge range of communities with specific needs, so kosher, halal and vegan foods are great to get.”.

Where does Yvonne Yvonne live?

A graduate of Penn State University, she began her career in sports and happily wakes up at 6 a.m. for games thanks to the time change at her home in Hawaii. An island transplant originally from the Northeast, she has called Oahu home for nearly 10 years with her husband and two chocolate Labs. Follow her on Instagram.

Why is bottled water needed in Phoenix?

In Phoenix, Silva said bottled water is always needed because the temperatures climb very high and noted that elderly people and children get dehydrated easily. Ask your pantry if they can also use cases of water bottles. “Cases of water which are just $2-3, can easily be taken to people’s homes and distributed in our dining rooms,” Silva says.

What is Maria Silva?

But the foods you choose make a huge difference. “We get a lot of cookies and pastries,” says Maria Silva, a registered dietitian nutritionist who manages the Family Wellness Program at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Phoenix, a nonprofit that manages charity dining rooms and food boxes for the homeless and working poor, ...

Why are nuts important to food banks?

A handful of nuts provides protein and nutrients in a hurry and is perfect for snacks and lunches. Food banks have a hard time finding them due to their higher price, so donations are essential. Opt for unsalted varieties when possible.

What oils are good for food banks?

Food banks rely heavily on these essential and pricier items being donated. Canola and olive oils are the best choices because of their monounsaturated fats and mild flavor. Our guide to cooking oils can help make sure you’re buying the healthiest options.

What can I eat to fill my stomach?

Applesauce also keeps well on food bank shelves. 2. Canned Beans. Loaded with protein and fiber, canned beans provide an excellent, nutritious way to fill a hungry tummy. Opt for the low-sodium varieties whenever possible.

What to do with a non-perishable sourdough bread?

It’s simple to toss this non-perishable item into soups and casseroles or add it to a sandwich or cracker. Its versatility and high protein content make it a popular item at food banks.

Is peanut butter good for food banks?

Kids and adults like it, and it’s high in protein, making peanut butter one of the most popular items at food banks. Look for varieties that are lower in sugar, and check out our editors’ list of the best tasting picks.

What vegetables are in high demand?

Canned Vegetables. Colorful, nutrient-dense and fiber-rich vegetables are always in high demand, and canned varieties last the longest on a food bank’s shelves. Look for low-sodium options. Food banks often hand out recipes using the items they have.

What is the best snack for kids?

Fruit, whether dried, canned or in plastic cups , makes excellent snacks for kids and adults and provide some nutrition and fiber. Choose those that are packed in water or fruit juice rather than sugary syrups.

What does it mean when you donate a dollar?

This means that when you donate a dollar, you’re able to put more meals on the tables of families than if you donated food you'd purchased at the store.

How many people are at risk of hunger in 2019?

August 21, 2019. With 42 million people in the U.S. at risk of facing hunger due to the pandemic, donating your extra or purchased dry and canned goods through a food drive might seem like the best way to help your neighbors need. But, the best way to support your local food bank is actually through donating money.

Can you live on non-perishable items?

Canned goods and dry food items like pasta and rice are a vital part of our food banks and pantries—but no one can live healthy lives on non-perishable items alone. Feeding people isn’t just about providing food, but about providing healthy food to all of our communities.

How do food banks work?

Food banks normally work with support from the public, who donate non-perishable food at a range of places such as schools , churches and local businesses, as well as supermarket collection points . Then volunteers sort the produce into emergency food parcels to give to people in need. A large majority of food banks also provide extra services ...

How many food banks are there in the UK?

There are 2,000 food banks across the UK, with the majority of them run by The Trussell Trust and the others run by the Independent Food Aid Network. The easiest way to find the food bank most local to you is through the Trussell Trust website, where you can search for your postcode and it will give you the addresses of ...