Do you have what the Food Banks need?

 

Here is a list of the things, both food-related and not, that are most in demand for donations to food banks.

Even though all donations of unopened food are welcome, there are some things that these regional food banks really could use. The truth is that volunteers for these pantries go through a ton of donations every year and frequently have lists of desperately needed items that just aren't donated.

These charities must find additional funding if they don't receive the required donations to give those items to the community's needy residents.

This list is intended to assist you in offering more than just what you currently have and in making a sincere effort to help others this year. Although I've tried to be thorough, this list is only the beginning of the things you can donate. If you have any additional suggestions or ideas, please share them in the comments section below.

This list has two parts, including both food items, and also non-food items since both are so important.

Most Needed Food to Donate to Food Pantry

Meal kits that don't require extra ingredients.

Kits that include canned meat, canned sauce and pasta all in one box are great choices. This means the person receiving them can make them without having to purchase additional ingredients.

Pancake and muffin mix that only requires water.

Special treats or easy breakfasts are much needed and appreciated, and one of the simplest is pancake or muffin mix that only requires you to add water. Mixes which require additional ingredients, such as oil or eggs, sometimes make it more difficult for a person or family to actually make the food item.

Canned soups and pasta meals.

Soups or even canned ravioli or pasta meals that don't require anything other than a heat source to eat are excellent for those who have limited resources, including sometimes not a very well-equipped kitchen.

Canned meat.

Tuna, chicken, salmon, Spam or similar types of meat are excellent choices for donation. Potted meat blends, sardines and similar choices are often donated because they are inexpensive.

Variety of canned fruits.

Food Banks really need more canned fruit. They often get fruit cocktails and pineapple, but peaches, pears and even cherries or tropical fruit blends would be welcomed.

Allergy-friendly food options.

Many people in need have food allergies. Donating items that are gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free and overall allergy friendly is always beneficial for those with specific food needs.

Basic staple items.

Flour, sugar, rice, dry beans, oil, baking powder, vanilla extract and seasonings of all kinds are always welcomed. Garlic, pepper, salt, chilli powder, etc. can make a meal much more palatable.

UHT milk.

UHT – Long-life Milk and powdered milk are great choices to donate. These are especially nice for families with kids who can't always afford the milk their kids need.

Juice boxes.

100% pure juice is always needed at food banks. This is often given to families of young children, and grabbing individual juice boxes makes it shelf stable and easier to portion.

Most Needed Non-Food Items to Donate

There are also some non-food items that almost every food bank would welcome having donated.

Tin Openers

All kinds of people don’t have these, especially women who’ve been relocated because of domestic abuse.  As food banks get a lot of tinned, non-perishable food, this is a handy thing to drop off at the collection point.

Toiletries

Unopened Shampoos, shower gels, deodorants, shaving gels and foams are also welcome.

Household cleaning supplies and paper products.

Toilet paper, paper towels, bleach, sanitising solutions, sanitising wipes and basic cleaning supplies are very welcomed by those in need.

Toilet Roll

This is self-explanatory and always necessary. “One food bank is having to ration it to one roll per household according to Foodbank.org

Feminine hygiene products.

Food banks also give out extras like feminine wipes, tampons, and maxi pads in addition to the meals. The needy and homeless in our neighbourhoods are in desperate need of these supplies.

Nappies and baby wipes.

All sizes of nappies and baby wipes (unscented is best) can be useful for those families coming in with infants and toddlers. Additionally, things like baby wash, shampoo and nappy rash cream or new unused bottles, teats and even formula that is in date are often welcomed.

Socks and underwear.

In addition to clean underwear, which is frequently disregarded, socks are essential for homeless people. This is a fantastic option for donating in all sizes, from children to adults.  Boxer shorts for men, and traditional brief-style panties for women. These need to be new rather than used for a donation!

 

This list is extensive, but I hope it will help you understand what local food banks really need. They are always happy to tell you exactly what they are running low on and could use.

 

Please share your thoughts and additions to this list in the comments section below; I'd love to hear them.

I really appreciate you stopping by and want to say thank you - because without you I wouldn't be here. Believe in Yourself, You got this, NOW Go Declutter!