Food banks need non-food items. Donating non-food items can help make people in need feel more human again. You can donate things like Canned fish, canned fruits, whole grain cereal, or olive oil to a local food bank. People in need will welcome these items.
Canola and olive oils
Olive and canola oils make a nutrient-dense donation to food banks. Food banks are always looking for healthy foods they can give away. Not only do they prepare nutritious meals for recipients, but they also strive to make the community healthier. Nutritionists weigh what foods you should donate to food banks and offer tips to stay healthy this holiday season.
If you’re wondering what types of foods to donate to a food bank, you’ll find that canned vegetables and olive oil are the most in demand. Food banks rely heavily on these donations because they last the longest on the shelves. Unlike canned and frozen food, these items do not need refrigeration, which is a boon to those in need.
Whole grain cereal
Whole grain cereal is an easy way to provide nutrition for needy families. It contains a good amount of fiber and is low in sugar. Whole grain cereals are also an excellent choice for breakfast. The food banks also benefit from donations of canned fruit and vegetables. Although canned fruits and vegetables are not always delicious, they provide valuable protein and fiber. Another great food to donate is unsalted pasta. Whole-grain pasta contains more fiber than white pasta.
Whole-grain pasta is another good option. It’s low in fat and calories and is a staple for healthy meals. It’s also easy to donate, as many people donate whole-grain pasta to food banks. Other healthy options include brown rice and quinoa. You can also donate frozen meals. Many food banks have freezers for these items, but smaller food banks may have other amenities.
The Healthy Over Hungry(r) Cereal Drive is a great way to help fight hunger. It will continue through Monday, June 14, and benefit the Mid-South Food Bank. This organization was founded in 1981 and distributed food to local agencies. It serves 31 counties throughout the Mid-South.
A healthy diet can be hard to find in these challenging times, but by giving the gift of nutritious food, you can help people suffering. Besides giving them the nutrition they need, donating healthy food will improve their mood and overall quality of life. Try to present foods high in protein, whole grains, and low in sugar or sodium. Organic foods are also a bonus.
Canned fish
Donating canned fish to a food bank is a simple and effective way to help those in need. Not only is it a healthy source of protein, but canned fish also stays fresh and shelf-stable for a long time. It also doesn’t require much preparation.
Olive oil
Food banks often rely on donations of cooking oil, particularly olive oil. These monounsaturated fats help provide healthy meals for those who need them. Fortunately, olive oil does not have to be extra virgin olive oil to be helpful. You can donate canola oil or even spray oil instead. However, using these cooking oils sparingly is essential because they are high in energy.
Donating pasta, rice, nuts, and other nonperishable items is a great way to help those in need. Pasta provides large servings and helps build healthy meals. It is also a relatively inexpensive donation. Whole-grain pasta is a great choice, and so is rice. Rice, predominantly brown rice or quinoa, can be made into various dishes.
Nonperishable items
When considering which nonperishable items to donate to a food bank, consider the type of food you have on hand. For example, canned items are a great idea. These items can be used in various recipes. Other types of food, like specialty foods, can be beneficial. These foods don’t need refrigeration and are packed with nutrients.
Food banks always appreciate food that doesn’t go bad quickly. These items include canned goods, pasta, peanut butter, and meat and vegetables. Many food banks will also take fresh beef, eggs, and butter. This type of food is a great way to help those in need and can help alleviate their stress levels.
Another good item to donate to a food bank is canned fish. Canned fish is not only nonperishable but also highly nutritious. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and protein. Canned fish is also shelf-stable, so it doesn’t require much preparation. It is also a great way to provide a protein-filled meal in minutes.
Remember to donate personal items to food banks. Unique care products, clothing, and household items are great ways to help people who need them most. Some food banks accept personal care items, but other food assistance programs do not cover these items.
Donor-advised funds
A donor-advised fund (DAF) is an account for philanthropic purposes. Its purpose is to distribute donated dollars to qualified charitable organizations. You can designate a specific food bank as the beneficiary of your DAF. The food bank can also serve as your successor, recommending grants to charitable organizations as it wishes.
Donor-advised funds are similar to charitable savings accounts. They allow donors to recommend a specific nonprofit and receive tax benefits for their contributions. The donor can use their money to make an immediate impact, or they can use it for future charitable gifts. Moreover, they can recommend any IRS-qualified public charity to receive these funds.
