If you want to donate food to a food bank, there are several types of items you can provide. These items are mainly non-perishable and help build healthy meals. They also are inexpensive to purchase and can be made into a variety of meals. Moreover, they can be easily stored in a food bank’s freezer.
Non-perishable food items
Donating non-perishable food items to a food bank is an easy way to help the hungry and less fortunate in your community. These food items are convenient, easy to consume, and require little refrigeration. Non-perishable food items are often preferred by food banks because they are easy to store and can be used quickly. However, there are some foods that are unhealthy for your body and should not be donated.
Don’t forget to check the food bank’s policies before making a donation. Some of them don’t accept glass containers, as they can break easily and spoil other items. Also, do not donate any food items that have already been opened. The food banks can’t serve opened items to people and will throw them away.
Non-perishable foods can include rice, canned vegetables, canned soups, canned fish, canned pasta sauce, canned chicken or turkey, canned fruit, and canned fruit juice. You can also donate items like toilet paper, facial tissues, and hand-held can openers. Donating holiday items like canned vegetables and canned fish is an easy way to help those in need. Many food banks prefer canned goods over fresh foods, and canned fish is a great choice for those who don’t have the time to make fresh meals.
Pasta
Pasta donations can go a long way in helping those in need. It is a versatile food that provides a large amount of food in a low-cost package. Pasta is also easy to make and nutritious. There are many types of pasta to choose from, including whole grain, brown rice and quinoa. The food banks can use these donations for a variety of meals.
If you have some extra pasta that you would like to donate to a food bank, consider giving them a can of sauce, tomato sauce, or some soup mix. These are staple items that many people struggle to afford. Check your pantry and see if you have any of these items lying around. Specialty foods are especially helpful, especially those that do not need to be refrigerated.
Rice
In September, the Arkansas Rice Industry will donate 214,900 pounds of rice to the Arkansas Foodbank, which will provide meals for children, seniors, and families in need. The donation is made by several companies including the Arkansas River of Pine Bluff, Farmers Granary, Inc. of McCrory, and the Producers Rice Mill of Stuttgart. Other companies participating in the drive include Riceland Foods, Inc. of Stuttgart, Windmill Rice Company of Jonesboro, and Specialty Rice, Inc. of Stuttgart. The donation is made during Hunger Action Month, when food banks throughout the country are focusing on hunger relief. Arkansas ranks second in the nation when it comes to food insecurity.
Rice and beans are among the staples of many meals. They are inexpensive and offer large servings. If you can donate whole grain pasta, you can save money on the cost of buying pasta and preparing meals. Another staple food is rice, which can be donated as brown or quinoa. These staples can be used for a variety of meals and are also great for freezing.
The types of food that are most useful to the food bank vary. Canned beans, for example, are extremely nutritious. They are high in fiber and protein. When combined with whole grains, they form a complete protein that the body needs. If you’re donating canned beans, consider donating them along with sugar-free apple sauce, which is low in calories and high in fiber. Canned beans also contain plenty of antioxidants, which can help fight hunger.
