No One Should Go Hungry
ACCESS provides food to more than 30 emergency food pantries throughout Jackson County. These pantries provide a variety of fresh and shelf-stable groceries for low-income families and individuals. Each food box contains a 3-5 day supply of meals. Before visiting food pantries, please check below for updates to operating hours.
Eligibility requirements apply.
Eagle Point Senior Focused Pantry185 E Main Street, Eagle PointThursdays 9:00am 9:30am
Wednesday and Thursday 1:30 2:30 pm
Phoenix Senior Focused Pantry4385 S Pacific Hwy, Phoenix
Rogue River Senior Focused Pantry522 E Main St, Rogue RiverTuesdays 1:30pm 2:00pm
Shady Cove Senior Focused Pantry22225 Oregon 62, Shady CoveThursdays 1:30am 2:00pm
White City Senior Focused Pantry3143 Avenue C, White CityWednesdays 1:30pm 2:00pm
What Impact Means For Charitiesand For Your Donations
Some charities create a lot of change with the donations given to them. Others have almost nothing to show for the money coming from donors, says Greg Thomson, director of research at Charity Intelligence , a non-profit that helps Canadians make informed giving decisions.
Indeed, there are charities that can take a $100-donation and turn it into nearly $700 worth of value for the people it supports and society at large. For example, a charity that helps at-risk teens could provide a sizable financial benefit to the youth who use its programs , as well as to the greater community through costs savings to the public health-care and shelter systems.
On the other end of the spectrum, there are charities that destroy value, perhaps producing just $40 worth of measurable change from the same $100-donation because of spending too much in relation to the benefit they create. For example, charities that grant wishes to critically ill children often spend upwards of $25,000 per child, but the value provided to the child and their family is much lower, says Thomson.
If you wish to donate food to fight hunger, you should check what local food banks require to not burden food banks with the food items that take up a lot of space or are not required. You will find food pantry items that you should donate to food banks in this article.
What Items Make The Best Food Bank Donations
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TORONTO More Canadians are using food banks, but whats available to eat doesnt always meet the need.
Yet hunger doesnt take a holiday.
People do often think about supporting their local food bank or making extra donations of food or money or volunteering around Thanksgiving, the Christmas and holiday periods, and theyre not often thinking about that all year-round, says Katharine Schmidt, executive director of Food Banks Canada.
We find that food banks are struggling more through the spring and summer because of that. The demand doesnt go down and yet the support can really fluctuate.
Also Check: Contra Costa Solano Food Bank
The Feeding America Network
Feeding America is a nationwide network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs that provides food and services to people each year. Together, we are the nations largest domestic hunger-relief organization. When you contribute to Feeding America, you are joining our efforts in nearly every community in all 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico.
What Kind Of Food Pantry Items Should You Donate
Food banks usually accept dry and canned foods. Any non-perishable food can be kept in the pantry for a long time without going bad. Keep in mind that you donate food that has not reached its expiration date yet.
Food items like peanut butter, pasta, canned soup, canned fish, canned beans, and canned vegetables are the best options to donate. Foodbank and clients regularly need such items. Some foodbanks accept other household items as well. You should check your local food bank to get recommendations specific to your area. However, a general list can be made:
- Serials and oatmeal
Food banks or food pantries are non-profit organizations, so they depend on peoples generosity to provide food for the weaker sections of society. Some food pantries accept fresh vegetables and food, but canned types are always preferred when it comes to food pantry items. You should donate powdered milk instead of milk because it is easy to transport. Grain products are usually considered the best choice for donations.
Some foodbanks also accept many non-food items like toiletries . Whenever food banks require donations, they call for it. If you are willing to donate, you should always check different food banks online websites to get notified.
Read Also: Food Banks In Augusta Ga
Soaring Food Costs Making It Tougher For Illinois Food Pantries
Soaring food costs have hit Illinois food pantries very hard. Significantly more people are showing up for emergency food assistance. At the same time, food donations are harder to get and costs have quadrupled.
Carrie Schumacher is the director of Willow Creek Care Center in South Barrington. Food providers like Willow Care and people who need food are facing the same pressures, she said.
Our guests money is not going nearly as far as it did last year. Its harder than ever to stretch dollars to pay bills and put food on the table, Schumacher told The Center Square.
The food pantry and other services that Willow Creek provides are part of the ministry of the Willow Creek Community Church. The church started the food pantry 30 years ago when one church member bought a bag of groceries for another church member. The Care Center has expanded over the years into a modern facility that provides clothing, dental and vision care and an auto repair ministry, in addition to food.
Schumacher said food pantries all across the state are reporting higher numbers of needy people than they saw last year.
Ninety percent of food banks across Illinois are reporting increased demand for food.
At Willow Creek Care Center, Schumacher said they have had a 54% increase in the number of people who are coming to them for food this year as compared to last year. At the same time, the cost of food has quadrupled.
Now we have to limit them to three meat choices, she said.
Best Food Items To Donate
The best items to donate are non-perishables that last a long time.
These include:
- Canned goods: soup, tomatoes, beans, canned fruits and vegetables, chickpeas, etc.
- Long-lasting drinks: UHT milk, fruit juice, as well as tea bags and coffee.
- Food cupboard items: pasta, rice, cereals, lentils, beans and pulses.
- Spices: these are great to donate as they last a very long time and add flavour to any meal.
Also Check: Food Banks In Nashville Tn
Get A Tax Credit For Your Donation
Giving makes good “cents” – and AZ tax credit dollars, too!
We are recognized as a Qualifying Charitable Organization , QCO code 20527, which means that you can receive a tax credit on your Arizona state taxes for your donation, and you dont even have to itemize to receive it! Under Arizona law, you may be able to receive up to $400 or $800 when you make a gift to AzFBN. See www.azdor.gov for more details, and be sure to consult your tax preparer or financial adviser for information specific to your situation.
Another Option: If you are at least 70 1/2 years young, you may qualify to donate from your IRA without triggering tax consequences when you transfer funds directly. Again, consult your tax preparer or financial advisor for specific advice.
The Best Things To Donate To A Food Pantry Are
More than ever, Americans are depending on their communitys social services to make ends meet. Stagnant wages and outsourcing of jobs overseas is causing economic instability for many. When unemployment assistance runs out and the heavily-slashed food stamps program cant cover a familys needs, many turn to food pantries in their neighborhoods.
If you want to donate to your local food bank in a way that makes a huge difference, purchase items that are always needed and short on supply.
Don’t Miss: Food Bank Of The Southern Tier Mobile Food Pantry Schedule
Food For Me: Citizen Action For Community Food Recovery
Originally prepared by C. Joyce Kleffner, Extension educator, University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Revised and updated by Kate Yerxa, Extension educator, University of Maine Cooperative Extension.
For information about UMaine Extension programs and resources, visit extension.umaine.edu. Find more of our publications and books at extension.umaine.edu/publications/.
Take this chart with you when you go grocery shopping to help you choose healthy foods to donate to the food pantries, or use it to help you organize a community food drive.
Check with your county University of Maine Cooperative Extension office for a listing of pantries or food assistance programs in your area and accompanying donation information, or visit the County Search for Food Assistance Programs on the Maine Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources website.
If you want to donate fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables or other perishable food items, please call the food pantry first to be sure they can accept them. Keep these items refrigerated or frozen to keep them safe.
What Can You Donate To A Food Bank
The main thing to bear in mind is that whatever you give may be stored for some time before it goes to those who need it. Avoid things like fresh fruit and veg, fish, meat and dairy products as it might go bad and the food bank is unlikely to accept it.
The full list from The Trussell Trust of food you can donate to a food bank includes: cereal, soup, pasta, rice, tinned tomatoes, pasta sauce, lentils, beans and pulses, tinned meat, tinned vegetables, tea or coffee, tinned fruit, biscuits, UHT milk, and fruit juice. Most food banks have clear guidance on what they put in a parcel, meaning deciding what to donate is simple.
Read Also: Where Are The Food Banks
Food Banks Do Hand Out Fresh Food But You Shouldnt Donate It
According to Feeding America, the three most requested items at food banks and food pantries are dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt fresh fruits and vegetables and lean proteins like frozen chicken and canned tuna. But, because fresh food needs to be refrigerated or frozen and food banks have limited space for this, they often get fixed donations from nearby grocery stores instead of taking small donations from individuals. This also makes it easier for them to make sure that fresh food has been safely stored, which helps prevent spoiled or moldy food.
Donate Food & Essentials
The Food Bank for Larimer County accepts donated food, including shelf-stable items such as canned and dry goods as well as dairy, meat, bakery items and fresh produce. We adhere to strict food safety guidelines for the food that we accept. Our staff is trained to pay close attention to date codes, especially with refrigerated products. Most of the dates on the food we distribute are not expiration dates they are best if used by or sell by dates. This means the product is wholesome beyond the date on the product.
In addition to food items, we also gladly accept non-food items like diapers, baby wipes, deodorant, toothpaste, menstrual products and other essentials that help our clients live healthy and rewarding lives.
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What Can I Do With Unopened Formula
USDAs Food and Nutrition Service recommends WIC clinics dispose of unused, returned WIC infant formula in accordance with state and local health and safety laws. FNS does not recommend donating unused, returned WIC infant formula to entities such as food banks or food pantries. This approach ensures safety.
Village Of Hoffman Estates
The Village of Hoffman Estates is supportive of efforts to provide food and pantry goods to our surrounding communities. The following locations are places to donate non-perishable food and household goods:
Learn more about our local food pantries at work – watch the Heart of Hoffman Estates now.
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Hoffman Estates Village Hall 1900 Hassell Road, Hoffman Estates
The Village of Hoffman Estates collects non-perishable goods during all business hours and donates these items to the local Township pantries listed below. Look for the collection bin in the lobby near the front counter. Coupons are also collected and provided to the food pantries to assist with purchase of items low in stock.
Hanover Township Food Pantry Hanover Township Astor Avenue Community Center 7431 Astor Avenue, Hanover Park, IL Donations are accepted during all business hours. Pantry hours are 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Monday, 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Tuesday,11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Wed, Thurs. and Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday.Hanover Township residents can use the food pantry twice per month, once between 1st – 15th and once between 16th – 31st.Residents can also come once a week on Wednesday or Fridays for bread.
Barrington Township Food Pantry602 S. Hough Street, Barrington, IL 60010
Pantry hours are from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
For more information please call 847-381-5632.
Also Check: Where To Donate Food In Las Vegas
What To Donate To A Food Bank And What To Avoid
So, youre ready to donate food to your local food bank. Thats great! Whether youre starting a food drive or just planning to grab a few extra items for donation while out grocery shopping, there are a couple of things you should know about what you can donate and what food banks wont accept.
What food you CAN donate to your local food bank:
This part is pretty easy. Food banks accept dry and canned food donations. What does that mean? Basically, any food that is shelf-stable or nonperishable you can keep it in your pantry and it wont go bad. And remember, only donate food that hasnt reached its sell-by date yet. Specifically, food banks often need items like:
Thats definitely not an exhaustive list but it covers a lot of what food banks regularly need. Additionally, some food banks accept personal care and household items, since many families struggle to afford these items and they arent covered by other food assistance programs like SNAP.
If youre still stumped about what to donate, just look in your own pantry. Families struggling with hunger often cant afford the staples that we normally have stocked at home. So, check your pantry out and go from there. Even specialty foods like olive oil, dressings, or marinades can be helpful if they dont need to be refrigerated.
What not to donate to a food bank
Where can I donate food near me?
Bottom Line: The Best And Safest Way To Give Food To Those In Need Is To Donate To Large Organizations Who Know Exactly What Theyre Doing
Food insecurity has long been a problem in America, but the COVID-19 pandemic has made things worse. Significantly more people are food insecure now than before the pandemic. And since COVID-19 is a contagious virus, food banks and food pantries must spend more time and money on extra safety precautions. Its complicated, to say the least. Because of all this, the best thing you can do is donate money to your local food bank, Feeding America, or No Kid Hungry. If youd rather donate food, make sure to give healthy non-perishables, and to only do so if you dont have any COVID-19 symptoms and have been following public health guidelines like wearing a mask and washing your hands.
Related Links:
Also Check: Food Bank Donation Pick Up
Fooddesperate And Dire: Asian American Organizations Address Food Insecurity Amid Pandemic
Foster told TODAY that in her experience as a smaller pantry, meat and fresh vegetables are highly coveted food items.
A lot of the donation boxes have canned meat and cooked meat, like meatballs and chicken patties, to serve unhoused families, or folks without kitchens, she explained. But fresh meat and vegetables make people with kitchens very happy.
For community grassroots food efforts like hers, Foster advised people to give what no one will get anywhere else.
Pantry items, she said. Salt, sugar, condiments, baking items, spices, herbs, tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, mayo, Sazón, garlic powder, hot sauce. Every couple of months we did giant pantry giveaways where the community gave us cash, and we just bought all kinds of pantry items. People loved it because they are getting boxes with squash and cooked meatballs, but no cooking oil, no salt. How can you make a dinner your kids will eat without salt?
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.
Read Also: St Mary’s Food Bank Surprise Az
What Other Help Is Available For Pensioners
Iceland offers a weekly over 60âs 10% discount across all its stores every Tuesday.
If youâve got a £30 voucher, you can also use the over 60âs discount on top â but only on a Tuesday.
The 10% discount is applicable across all Iceland stores.
Eligible customers have to provide proof of age through a driving license, senior bus pass, senior rail card or Freedom Pass when paying for their goods at the checkout.
The discount will work across all products in store and you get 10% off the total cost of your shop.
In addition to the Iceland vouchers, thereâs other help on offer if youâre a pensioner and youâre struggling to make ends meet.
The government announced a raft of measures back in May this year for struggling households.
Among the support specifically for pensioners is the £650 cost of living payment, but you will only receive this if you receive Pension Credit.
The payment is being split into two and you should have received the first instalment already.
The next one is due to be paid in the autumn, although a specific date has not yet been confirmed.
All energy customers are eligible for a £400 energy bills discount from next month.
The discount will be paid in six instalments from October. Two worth £66 and four worth £67.
A £300 one-off Pensioner Cost of Living payment will be dished out to eight million people later on in the year on top of the Winter Fuel Payment.