If you want to make a difference in someone’s life, you can donate to a food pantry. Many food banks and shelves struggle to keep basic items on hand. You can donate items such as cooking oil, baking mixes, and cake mixes. You can also donate canned meats, especially low-sodium varieties.
Canned good foods
You can make a positive impact in the life of a person in need by donating canned good foods to a food pantry. Canned goods are easy to prepare and have a variety of uses. Canned chicken, for example, can be used in many recipes and contains protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Whole grain pasta is also a great choice as it is easy to prepare and is high in fiber and protein.
Many food banks depend on donations of canned fruits and vegetables to keep their shelves stocked. These are important sources of nutrition when people don’t have access to fresh produce. Donating healthy food is particularly important, as food banks often provide recipes using donated items. To ensure that your donation will be the most useful, you can choose between canola oil and olive oil. You can use a guide to cooking oils to make sure that you choose the healthiest one for your family.
Food banks are always looking for donations, especially during the holidays. You can participate in food drives organized by your local food bank. In addition to canned goods, food banks also need cash donations. A dollar donation to a food bank will put more meals on the tables of people in need than a dollar donation from a grocery store.
When you donate canned goods to a food pantry, remember to check the expiration date on the cans before donating. Many of them have strict guidelines about what they can accept. For example, City Harvest, a major food rescue organization, will accept bread and other non-frozen products up to a week after their expiration date. However, it won’t accept milk or other dairy products that are past their sell-by date. Likewise, most food banks don’t accept cans that are damaged or heavily dented, as these can harbor bacteria.
When you don’t have time to cook, you can also donate canned goods to a food pantry. These organizations will be happy to accept your donations of canned goods, which will help them feed families in need.
Toiletry items
You can donate toiletry items to a food pantry by purchasing sample sizes or purchasing them in bulk. Many food assistance programs do not provide cleaning supplies, and toiletry donations will help people stay clean and fresh. You can stock up on these items at sales or buy one get one free offers.
Toilet paper
Donating used toilet paper towels to a food pantry is a great way to help the less fortunate. You can drop off donations at the Pepperwood Plaza in Iowa City, Iowa, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also organize a TP repackaging party where participants open packages of toilet paper and roll it up into water-proof bags.
The NLCP distributes approximately 2,000 rolls of toilet paper each month to families in need. The organization spends about $3,000 per year on toilet paper, which is an essential item for those we serve. Because it isn’t covered by SNAP benefits, many of those we serve cannot afford to purchase toilet paper. To alleviate the shortage of toilet paper, the NLCP is asking the community to donate toilet paper. They also welcome financial donations as a way to offset the costs of toilet paper.
Applesauce
You can help the less fortunate in your neighborhood by donating applesauce to a local food pantry. Applesauce is a staple in many households, and food pantries often need donations of it. Donating applesauce is easy and will make a big difference in the lives of those in need. Food pantries can also use other items you may have lying around, such as household cleaning supplies and sanitizing supplies. Occasionally, they also need baking supplies.
Food pantries need basic pantry items such as cooking oil, baking mixes, and cake mixes. These items are often overlooked but can help make a big difference to those in need. Another great food item to donate is baby food. Food pantries often need more supplies for infants than adults, and baby items are often overlooked by donors.
Donating non-perishable goods such as rice, pasta sauce, and pesto are also great ways to help those in need. You can also donate canned fruits, which are low in sugar and nutritious. They also make great kid-friendly snacks. But when it comes to the food items you can donate, applesauce is one of the most coveted. Be sure to choose fortified varieties to avoid added sugar.
