There are many things you can donate to a food bank. Not just food but non-food items are also welcome. These items can make a difference for those facing a crisis. They can give people the feeling of being human again. You can donate some things, including shelf-stable milk, canned protein foods, and clean underwear.
Shelf-stable milk
If you want to help your local food bank, donate shelf-stable milk. Many food pantries are short on milk due to a lack of storage space. But one New England company is stepping up and making milk donation easy. The Giving Cow brand offers milk with up to 12 months of shelf life. This makes milk an excellent solution for food pantries and backpack programs that need fresh milk.
Shelf-stable milk can help food banks in a variety of ways. Milk is one of the most requested items by recipients of food pantries, but it is also the least donated. Most food pantries do not have refrigeration to store fresh milk. In addition, the average food pantry only receives about one gallon of milk a year. Fortunately, shelf-stable milk can be donated to food pantries in Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Madison so that you can help people in need in your local community.
Other items that you can donate to a food bank include canned goods, such as canned meat and fish. You can also donate canned vegetables. Remember to buy canned vegetables with low sodium content. Canned meals contain plenty of protein and fiber, and canned soups and stews can fill a hungry stomach.
Milk is one of the most inexpensive sources of protein and is one of the best sources of calcium and other essential nutrients. An 8-ounce glass of milk has 8 grams of protein, calcium, vitamin D, and potassium. Three nutrients are necessary for human health, but only some get enough.
Canned protein foods
Canned protein foods are a staple in food banks and are a great way to help them fight hunger. These foods can be stored for years, will not spoil, and can be used for numerous recipes. These are great options to donate to a food bank if you have canned chicken, ham, or fish.
Canned meat, canned chicken, fish, and canned tuna can all be donated to a food bank. These canned items are easily stored and take up less refrigerator space than fresh meat. You can also consider canned beans and nut butter. Choose low-sodium, organic, or natural options for a healthy and easy meal. These canned goods are also excellent sources of calcium and protein.
Food banks need nutritious foods to help the community. People are at risk for nutrient deficiencies and chronic diseases without healthy food. Additionally, children who do not have access to nutrient-dense food are less likely to focus in school and are likely to develop developmental problems.
If you’re a group that would like to give back to the community, you can organize a food drive. Encourage your peers to donate a specific food item. These drives are easy to implement and fun to promote. And if you’d like to help those in need, consider donating canned chicken and other protein-rich foods.
Quinoa
Quinoa is an excellent choice to donate to a food bank. It has a lot of nutrients and is versatile for cooking. It is also low in calories and high in fiber. You can also donate whole-grain pasta. Another great item to donate is rice. It is a staple food for making healthy meals, and it comes in wide varieties, including brown and quinoa.
Quinoa is often used in vegetarian burgers, salads, and vegetarian burgers. It can also be used in other recipes. Donating quinoa to a food bank can help eliminate hunger in your community. One serving of quinoa can provide up to eight meals for hungry people.
Clean underwear
Clean underwear is an easy way to help those in need. Whether you need new socks or boxer shorts, donations of these items are always welcome. You can donate all sizes of underwear. The most versatile are tube socks, boxer shorts, and traditional brief-style panties. It is also a good idea to purchase new underwear for donation.
If you want to donate clean underwear, check out several nonprofit organizations. Some will accept gently used underwear for free. Others will take any brand of lingerie. Another option is to upcycle your old underwear into an accessory. For example, if your old underwear has cute patterns, you can turn them into earrings.
Clean underwear can make a big difference to a person experiencing homelessness. Because they often lack access to toiletries, people without homes often suffer from poor hygiene. Bathing regularly improves mental health, and proper access to hygienic products can prevent illnesses. Homeless people can significantly benefit from donations of clean underwear and socks.
Toilet paper
If you have extra toilet paper, consider donating it to your local food bank. You can donate toilet paper towels at the Resource Center on Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. or Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. You can also donate cleaning products and personal care items. The food bank is based in Iowa City, Iowa. You can drop off your donations at the Resource Center or Administrative Offices.
If you do not have enough to donate to a food bank, consider donating toilet paper to a credit union. Some credit unions will collect toilet paper from their branches and present it to Catholic Charities Tri-County Services. Many others will offer to pick up and deliver the donations.
