Whether you are looking for a way to help those in need or simply unsure how to donate to a food pantry near you, the following tips will help you make a difference. In addition to nonperishable food, you can also donate personal hygiene products and diapers. Those in need will appreciate these items. Donating these items can also help you to avoid wasting money by buying more food than necessary.
Donate nonperishable food
If you’re looking for a way to help people in need, donating nonperishable food to a food bank near me is a great way to make a difference. Food banks often need cash donations to run their programs and also nonperishable food items, such as nonperishable canned goods. Many food banks recommend nonperishable food items that are whole, minimally processed, and high in proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains.
Donating wholesome food for human consumption helps feed the hungry and diverts waste from landfills. Contributing food also helps food banks and pantries stock their shelves with fresh food. Food donations from restaurants, catering businesses, and corporate dining rooms help to keep food pantry shelves stocked. However, it would help if you remembered that food donations must be handled carefully to prevent contamination. Local health departments can provide guidelines on safely donating perishable food.
If you’re looking for a local food pantry in Broome County, New York, there are several places you can donate food items. The Bowery Mission, for example, accepts food donations Monday through Saturday. The food pantry serves homeless and low-income New Yorkers, and in 2016, it distributed 44,700 bags of groceries. The food pantry asks that you donate nonperishable items, but they will accept freshly prepared foods and untampered packaging.
You can also donate food to the Common Pantry. The food you donate goes towards the Common Pantry’s Hot Meals program. This program feeds about 2,000 people a week. When donating nonperishable items, please make sure to call ahead of time to make sure the food bank is accepting them.
Another option is to search for a food pantry near you through Google. These organizations may be located in different cities or counties but can handle small nonperishable food donations. Donating food to a food pantry near me is a great way to help hungry people in Western New York. Food donations from the food industry are a great way to support local charities while helping people in need.
Donate personal hygiene products
If you’d like to help people in need, consider donating your hygiene products to a food pantry near you. Many food banks accept personal hygiene items and other household items, including feminine hygiene and menstrual products. They also carry other donations, including food, household goods, and clothing.
Often overlooked, toilet paper and other personal hygiene products are much-needed items for low-income families. While you may not have many spares, even small quantities of toilet paper can make a big difference to a hungry family. Toothpaste and feminine hygiene products are also essential but can be an expensive monthly expense for many families.
Donate diapers
You can help feed the hungry in your community by donating diapers to a food pantry near you. This basic necessity is becoming more difficult to find for families. With the rising cost of food and escalating operating costs, it is becoming harder for food pantries to keep up with demand.
In New York, the state has partnered with Baby2Baby, a nonprofit that provides essential items for children under 18. By donating diapers, New York State hopes to provide 20 million free diapers to food pantries. The food banks will then distribute the diapers to families in need. Those with limited incomes cannot afford diapers and cannot use their social benefits to buy them.
