Why Is Giving Money More Efficient Than Donating Food
When you donate to end hunger, Second Harvest Heartland combines your dollars with donated, rescued and wholesale-purchased food from grocery stores, farmers, restaurants, retailers and other partners. This multiplies your gift to make the biggest impact. Your financial donation makes it possible for our robust team of volunteers, warehouse workers and truck drivers to sort, re-package and distribute over 120 million pounds of food to nearly 1,000 food shelves and other local agency partners each year, who put it directly in the hands of families in need.
Learn more about how to make a financial contribution.
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Potential Funding For Food Banks
Recycling Market Development Zone Loan Program. Food banks may qualify as a recycling manufacturer under the waste prevention category for CalRecycles Recycling Market Development Zone loan program. The loan can provide funding for working capital, daily operating expenses, equipment, such as trucks and refrigeration units, leasehold improvements, such as expanding an existing building, and real estate.
Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund Loan Program. Food banks may also be a part of an organics composting/anaerobic digestion project and the organics infrastructure project may qualify for CalRecycles Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund loan program, which can provide funding for equipment, real estate, and leasehold improvements.
There are additional funding programs that food banks may be able to utilize:
Final Thoughts On Thanksgiving Food Donations
The items on the list above are just a starting place. Depending on where you live, and the unique needs of your community, your local food banks might be in need of other non-perishable food items. Thats why Im reminding you again to please call the one you would like to donate to BEFORE getting started with your food drive.
While collecting the items on this Thanksgiving non perishable foods list is a wonderful way to help families in your community, monetary donations are also very appreciated by food banks. Whether you give a charitable gift, or donate grocery store gift cards, the support truly does matter to those organizations.
While it seems small, a canned food drive is a powerful way to start your children on the path to service to their community in a meaningful way. Remember that food banks need support all year long! If your family enjoys this, consider turning this food drive into a quarterly way to give back. You can also ask your local food pantry if they know of any free kitchens that are in need of volunteers to serve on Thanksgiving Day.
If you found this Thanksgiving non perishable foods list helpful, please share it on social media or pin it on Pinterest to help inspire other families this Thanksgiving too.
Sharing is caring! If you love this post, please share!
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List Of Non Perishable For Food Banks Food Donation Programs
When looking for food donations for food banks, non-perishable ones are an excellent choice. Just like what you would usually stock your pantry with, this type of food is highly recommended by food banks because theyre convenient, has a long shelf life, and easy to consume.
Some foods can last for a few weeks to months, while others can even last for years. Moreover, they dont require refrigeration but must be kept cool and dry.
Non-perishable items are also essential in emergency situations, which is why theyre favored by many charitable organizations. Although some items like macaroni and cheese are packed with preservatives and other unhealthy ingredients, there are still non-perishable items that are available today.
Knowing what types of non-perishable items are beneficial to food banks will make your donations matter more. So, dont just grab anythingcheck if they can help feed families and improve their health as well.
What Non Perishable Foods To Donate

General Pantry Items
Stored water might need filtering if con … | ||
Sugar, Salt, Honey | Use in cooking and as spices and sweeten … | |
Real Maple Syrup | 1yr to Indefinite | Unopened and stored in a glass jar in a … |
Maple Flavored Syrup | 4 months to 1yr |
The best non-perishable foods to donate
- peanut butter, or other nut butters.
- canned fruit in juice, not in light or heavy syrup.
- canned vegetables, with no or low-sodium.
- low-sodium soups.
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Donate Food Or Host A Drive
We are accepting food at the following locations and times:
4554 Hollister Ave., Monday Friday, 7am 3pm
490 W. Foster Rd., Monday Friday, 7am 3pm
To host a Food Drive contact our Community Engagement Coordinator
Food donations make up around 60% of the food we receive and distribute into the community. Some are large scale donations, some are community-based food drives, and some are individual donations they all make a difference in feeding those in need in our community!
We accept Food Donations of all types, even fresh produce!
Why Donate Food To Food Banks
I want to teach my children to think outside of our own circle and consider the local families around us who are in need. This year with inflation rising in the United States its a real likelihood that people in homes next to you wont get a Thanksgiving feast for Thanksgiving dinner.
Beyond personalizing the realism of food needs around us, there is a high demand at every local food pantry during the holidays. Its a struggle during this time of year, which feels so much worse somehow, and you should never have to worry about basic needs and food insecurity.
This holiday season is a great time to take the opportunity to start a new tradition in your family by showing your children the blessing of giving.
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Why Is Feeding America Important
And, Feeding America helps ensure its network has access to these healthy foods year-round. Expired food: When considering what to donate, think about what youd be comfortable serving your family. Chances are, you dont eat food thats past its use-by or sell-by date, so avoid donating anything past those dates to food banks as it could be …
Dried And Canned Beans
With a long shelf life and high nutrient content, dried and canned beans are smart non-perishable food choices. Canned beans can be kept at room temperature for 25 years while dried beans can last 10 or more years, depending on the packaging .
In fact, one study found that pinto beans stored up to 30 years were considered edible by 80% of people on an emergency food use panel .
Beans are an excellent source of fiber, plant-based protein, magnesium, B vitamins, manganese, iron, phosphorus, zinc, and copper. Whats more, they pair well with most foods and make hearty additions to soups, grain dishes, and salads (
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Where Can I Donate Canned Food In San Jose
Top 10 Best food donation in San Jose, CASacred Heart Community Service. 0.6 mi. Second Harvest of Silicon Valley. 1.8 mi. Milpitas Food Pantry. 6.5 mi. The Family Giving Tree. 7.9 mi. HopeTHRIFT. 1.7 mi. Second Harvest of Silicon Valley Cypress Center. 7.6 mi. Second Harvest of Silicon Valley. Sunnyvale Community Services.More items
This Year Cbc Is Hosting Project Give Live From The National Arts Centre To Celebrate Community And Kindness
This holiday season, help give hope and health to people in need in Ottawa. Tune in to CBC Ottawa on Friday, December 9 for the annual charity drive, Project Give, in support of the Ottawa Food Bank!
After a two-year hiatus, CBC Ottawa will present a whole day of special broadcasts LIVE from the NAC, with your favourite local hosts and reporters, supporting our community. Ottawa Morning, All in a Day, and News at 6 will feature stories, music, and contests in support of the Ottawa Food Bank.
Last year, CBCs listeners, viewers, and fans helped raise an incredible $278,937.86 for our neighbours in need.
This year, the need is greater than ever. to give now. Your generous donations will help provide emergency food support to those experiencing hunger this winter.
Learn more about this event here.
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Can You Substitute Whole Wheat Crackers For Bread
Crackers are a good replacement for bread and make a fine substitute when making sandwiches. Due to their higher fat content, whole-wheat or whole-grain crackers have a shorter shelf life than their plain counterparts , but the extra fiber pays off when youre particularly hungry. Consider vacuum-packing your crackers to prolong their freshness.
How Can I Help Three Square The Most

Monetary donations provide the greatest benefit we have buying power that allows us to do more with $1 than you might when you go to the store to purchase canned goods for a food drive. For every $1 donated, Three Square is able to distribute three meals.
Even if you have committed to holding a food drive, please consider the option of adding a fund drive or virtual food drive. Many individuals would rather write a tax-deductible check or make a donation online rather than picking up extra food at the grocery store for the food drive.
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Create A Virtual Fund Drive
Get your friends and colleagues involved with your effort to help feed Rhode Islanders facing hunger. You can create your own personalized fundraising campaign with many fun options, such as creating a team to engage others in raising funds towards a common goal. You can even connect your movement tracker or your game play streaming account to make a unique and engaging experience for your donors.
Check out our fundraising tool and get started.
Annual Food And Funds Drives:
Fill the Foodbank! NovemberThis drive-through event supports the Foodbank in our mission to provide nutritious food to thousands of hungry children, seniors, and families during the Holiday season.
Turkey Drive NovemberDonate a bird and help the Foodbank ensure that every family has a nourishing holiday meal.
Stamp Out Hunger May, NovemberSponsored by the United States Postal Service and the National Association of Letter Carriers. Leave a bag of non-perishable food next to your mailbox and your letter carrier will deliver your donation to the Foodbank. *Cancelled this year due to COVID*
The End Hunger Games: A Corporate Challenge NovemberThe Corporate Challenge is a friendly competition among local companies to give dollars, food, and time to the Foodbank and join the fight against hunger. For more information on how to participate contact Senior Development Manager Nathalie Keller,
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What Are The Most Needed Non Perishable Food Items
Some of the most useful non-perishable foods to donate would be Canned protein , Canned Soups , Packaged Foods , Plastic Jar Foods .
Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope I have inspired you to start this tradition this year, either with your kids and family or just by yourself! We each, even one person, can make a huge difference in our communities.
Hi, Im Julie! Mother to five beautiful kids, Homeschool Educator, Writer, Handicraft & DIY Enthusiast, Photographer, Thrifter, and Furniture Restorer. Follow along for fun DIY projects creating a handmade home on a budget! Read more about me hereâ
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State The Reasons Why You Need Food Donation And What You Are Looking Forward To Accomplishing
Explain to your donors why it is essential for them to support your project. And how their donation will make a difference in your entire project. This will give them a reason to participate in your donation. Offering your organizations history is a perfect way to connect with your potential donors deeply.
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This Is What Food Banks Actually Need
Give generously to your local food bank this holiday season, and make sure you’re giving the stuff they really need.
Thanksgiving rocks. It’s a long holiday weekend to spend with family and friends and a chance to give thanks for a life that’s good. Of course, it’s also a great time to think about helping people who might not have enough to eat by donating to a canned food drive that benefits your local food bank.
Silvia Davi, chief marketing officer of Food Bank For New York City, told BuzzFeed Life that donations to area food banks, which help feed millions of Americans, are more important than ever because of cuts to federal funding of food assistance programs.
Davi adds, “Part of what Food Bank prides itself on is nutrition education and offering healthy foods to those we serve. We welcome food donations low in fat and sodium, high in protein, and rich in all the kinds of good ingredients that you would find in your own homes.”
She stresses that food banks in New York and around the country are looking for healthy options to make sure individuals and families who need assistance are getting nutritious meals, so we asked nutritionists to weigh in on the best foods you can donate. And don’t forget, their tips for making healthy eating choices around the holidays can apply to you too.
Dried Fruits And Vegetables
Although most fresh fruits and vegetables have a short shelf life, dried produce is considered non-perishable. When properly stored, most dried fruit can be safely kept at room temperature for up to 1 year, and dried vegetables can be kept about half that time .
You can choose from a variety of dried fruits and vegetables, including dried berries, apples, tomatoes, and carrots. You can also use a dehydrator or oven to make your own dried fruits and vegetables. Vacuum-sealed packaging can help prevent spoilage.
Dried fruits and veggies can be enjoyed as a snack or added to trail mix. Plus, dried veggies can be rehydrated by adding them to soups or stews if fresh produce isnt available.
Although fresh fish and poultry are packed with nutrients, theyre highly perishable. All the same, canned varieties can be safely kept without refrigeration for long periods up to 5 years at room temperature .
Tuna and other seafood products are also sold in lightweight packages known as retort pouches, which are perfect for smaller pantries and backpacking. Seafood in retort pouches has a shelf life of up to 18 months .
Chicken and other meats can be found in retort pouches as well, though you should refer to the packaging for shelf life information.
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Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
According to this food banks website, 20% of Los Angelenos face food insecurity, and this organization is on a mission to reduce that number to 0. The food bank has temporarily paused on canned food donations from individuals, but theyve provided a list of local Los Angeles-area partners that are currently accepting donations.
To find the best food bank to donate food near you, head on over to this directory. Enter your location and select a radius of up to 15 miles.
Your Food Donation Provides Nourishment And Hope To Our Hungry Neighbors

- Peanut Butter, 16 oz not mixed with other items like jelly, honey, chocolate
- Canned Fruit, 14-16 oz
- Shelf-stable Milk, 8 oz not flavored with chocolate, vanilla, strawberry
- Canned Tuna, 5 oz
- Low-sodium Canned Vegetables, 15-16 oz
- Trail Mix, 1-2 oz bags
Please do not donate any items in glass containers
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Where Can I Donate Canned Foods Locally
Donating wholesome food for human consumption diverts food waste from landfills and puts food on the table for families in need. Donations of nonperishable and unspoiled perishable food from homes and businesses help stock the shelves at food banks, soup kitchens, pantries, and shelters. Donations of perishable prepared foods typically collected from restaurants,
Where Can I Donate My Turkey In Nyc
Free Turkey Giveaways in NYC for Thanksgiving 2021The Salvation Army Harlem Temple Corps Harlem. Gardiner Foundation Turkey Giveaway Fordham, the Bronx. Reaching-Out Community Services Operation Gobbler Give Brooklyn. West Side Campaign Against Hunger Upper West Side.More items
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Thanksgiving Non Perishable Foods To Donate
Below is a full list of non-perishable foods that are great for canned food drives. The food items on this list have a long shelf life, making them a great choice for food banks.
At the end of this list are also non-food items that many food banks are also in desperate need of. Consider adding these items to your donation list as well!
Here is our full list of non perishable foods that can last for extended periods of time before their expiration date.
Best Practices For Donating Canned Foods
We all want to be good citizens and do some good with the items were donating. Here are some guidelines to follow:
- Donate the items that the food bank accepts. Read their guidelines first.
- Check expiration dates. If an item is nearing or past expiration, the food bank likely wont accept it.
- Examine packaging for rust, dents, faded or damaged labels, or leaks.
- Check foodbank hours to ensure that you dont make a wasted trip. Remember, Easy Donation PickUp will come to you, so you dont have to worry about that if you donate your canned food to us!
- Avoid donating perishable items. It might seem common sense, but its easy to forget that an item requiring refrigeration will not hold up on a foodbank shelf. This includes anything that needs to be refrigerated.
Dont worry, though. Just because you cant donate fresh food doesnt mean that hungry families dont have access to these items through a food bank. Food banks often coordinate with suppliers such as farmers, restaurants, and retailers to source these items.
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