The best food pantries to donate can often use items you may have to lie around your house. Think of canned soup or healthy stews. While they may be everyday staples, they can also be very versatile. For instance, a can of cream chicken soup can be used in various recipes.
Non-perishable items
The best non-perishable items to donate to food banks are items that do not spoil quickly. These include peanut butter, canned vegetables and meats, and pasta. These items can feed many people and help alleviate stress and hunger for those in need. In particular, non-perishable items can be handy for families with young children.
Donating non-perishable food to food pantries is an excellent way to help the needy in your community. Donating dried beans, pasta, canned vegetables, and even canned fish is a great way to help disadvantaged people. Canned fish is an excellent source of protein and can be used in dishes like salmon cakes and tuna noodle casseroles. Canned vegetables contain the same nutrition as fresh vegetables, and many can be rinsed to reduce sodium. Canned oatmeal is also a healthy option for hot cereal.
Aside from canned vegetables and fruits, other non-perishable items can include rice, nuts, canned pasta, and other staple items. For example, a food pantry in Queens needs beef stew with low sodium content. You can donate beef stew at Hour Children’s supermarket-style food pantry at 36-11 12th St., Queens, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. The food pantry has fed more than 9,000 people in the past year.
When donating non-perishable items to food pantries, you should follow the guidelines provided by the food bank. You should check expiration dates, as well as the condition of the items. Also, you should make sure that the containers are intact. Don’t send in rusty cans, crushed boxes, or heavily dented packages. If you cannot send the items these ways, you can take them to the food bank.
Healthy soups and stews
Healthy soups and stews can be delicious and nutritious donations to food pantries. These meals are low in sodium and often made with wholesome ingredients. They are also excellent sources of protein and fiber. These types of meals are a great choice for families on a budget.
Soups and stews can be prepared in large batches and easily trained. The Nutrition Education team has created a variety of delicious soup recipes that incorporate healthy ingredients in exciting ways. These include Black Bean, Butternut Squash, Creamy Cauliflower, and Rainbow Ramen. Some recipes include more vegetables than you might expect so that they can be more filling.
To provide the most nutritious meals to people in need, food pantries must provide a variety of healthy items. This is especially important in the face of chronic funding shortages. Food pantries must distribute healthy items frequently, so they need refrigeration to ensure a steady supply of fresh items.
Canned fruit
If you’re looking for ways to make canned goods healthier, canned fruit is one of the best options. Because canned fruit has water, it doesn’t require refrigeration or running a freezer. And it has the added benefit of providing essential nutrition for those hungry or in need. Canned fruit also makes the perfect snack. Its water-packed consistency means people can eat it as is or add spice to their meals.
When donating canned goods, remember that those experiencing hungers don’t always have easy access to a stove. Therefore, canned goods should be easy to prepare. Donated peanut butter, for example, can be easily prepared by people who need to learn more about cooking. Canned soup is another excellent option since it doesn’t require cooking skills and can be divided among many people.
Donating canned fruit is also one of the best ways to give to food pantries. Canned fruit has a high amount of vitamin C, which helps keep the fresh food longer. Fresh fruit loses its vitamin C after exposure to air, so canned fruit is an excellent option for food pantries that need to keep their food items fresh. Canned fish can also be a perfect option for food pantries. It has high levels of omega-3 fatty acids and is high in protein.
Another excellent food pantry to donate is the Hour Children’s Food Pantry in Long Island City. It accepts weekly donations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. and has fed more than 9,000 people in the past year.
Oils and spices
If you want to donate to a food pantry, consider giving them oils and spices. These items help prepare meals and can help develop a child’s palate and broaden their interest in foods. Low-income families don’t have the luxury of wasting food. Adding oils and spices to their meals saves them money on food waste.
Many people struggle with hunger and can’t afford staples in their pantries. While they’re often overlooked, oil and spices can help. They can make even the most basic of meals taste great. They’re easy to store in a pantry and are not as vulnerable to spoilage as regular canned goods.
Canned vegetables, fresh fruits, and meats are also excellent donations. Many food pantries prefer canned meat and shelf-stable dairy alternatives over dried food. Tiny cans of apple sauce and crackers are also helpful. While meat and poultry are the best non-perishables, canned pasta and peanut butter are fabulous donations. These items do not spoil and are also a great source of protein. Canned fruit is also a good option as it is packaged in water and juice.
Fresh vegetables are always welcome at food pantries, although these items are only sometimes donated. Many people who are in need suffer from allergies. When donating fresh produce, try to find an allergy-friendly option. You can donate items that are gluten-free, dairy-free, or nut-free. Another great option is to present dry beans, baking powder, and other things to make a meal more nutritious.
Deodorant
Donating personal hygiene items can make your dollar go further since food stamps don’t cover them. This list can help you shop for things that people need. To make it easier to donate personal hygiene items, you can also check out the Gift That Gives More program. This program helps families in need in the U.S. by collecting donations of things such as deodorant.
