And Dont Forget About Beauty Banks
Beauty Banks is a non-profit organisation that collects and distributes personal care and beauty items to people who need them. Set up by beauty writer Sali Hughes and beauty PR Jo Jones, Beauty Banks works with charity partners who are registered foodbanks and shelters to distribute these essential personal items to those who will benefit most.
You can donate beauty and personal care items through Droppoint or Easho wishlist, a retail partner of Beauty Banks.
Donating Cash Is Also Acceptable As It Helps The Food Pantry To Cover Whats Missing
Image credits: PunkyMantilla
Another good point the Twitter user raised was the donation of money. Sometimes people, instead of donating food items, simply give charity in the form of cash. And thats okayor maybe even more than that. Food banks and pantries sometimes have discounts when it comes to certain food items, meaning they would get more for their money than your average person. That doesnt mean we should all start throwing money at this problemevery donation helps, be it some food, a bar of soap that you know you wont use, or even a ready-to-bake cake mix for special occasions. Sharing is what matters!
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.
Recommended Reading: Central Pa Food Bank Order Online
Three Items Most Requested At Food Banks
For many neighbors, a fresh apple or glass of milk is not always available. One woman served by the Feeding America network even expressed that she hadnt had meat in more than a year because she couldnt afford it.
Many people we serve want a well-balanced diet, but the less nutritious items are often cheaper, have a longer shelf life, and can be stretched over multiple meals. However, healthier food also challenges the food banks and pantries accepting, storing, and distributing the items.
Youll be surprised that the three most requested items are ones you and I likely take advantage of every week.
Dont Miss: Nc Food Bank Raleigh Nc
Every Donation Counts: Single Donations
Every single financial donation brings us a step closer to ending hunger in our community. No donation is too small to make a difference. SCV food pantry relies on these critical cash reserves to make the purchases needed when supplies are running low.
Donations may also be made by mailing a check payable to The SCV Food Pantry 24133 Railroad Avenue, Newhall, CA, 91321
You May Like: Harry Chapin Food Bank Locations
Need Food Call: 5197435576 Ext 340
For emergency food assistance, visit on one of the community programs and agency partners listed on the Community Food Assistance Network map.
The Food Bank of Waterloo Region supports the Community Food Assistance Network a system of 100+ community programs and agency partners and does not provide food from our location.
If you are unable to access a program and require delivery, call: 519.743.5576 ext. 340.
Click here for after hours supports and resources, such as emergency childcare, animal care services and mental health.
For more information about what to bring with you, read our Frequently Asked Questions.
List Of Items Needed For Food Pantry Donations
Here’s a list of the most needed items for food pantry donations, including both food and non-food items.
During the holiday season many people begin donating to local food pantries, as well as anytime you decide to organize and declutter your pantry.
While every donation of unexpired food is appreciated, there are items that these local food pantries and banks need more than others. And the reality is that every year volunteers for these pantries go through tons of donations, and often have lists of much needed items that people just don’t donate.
When these charities don’t get the needed donations they then have to find alternative funds to provide those items to the people in need in the community.
So this list is meant to help you provide not only what you have, but to really try to make a difference this year by providing what will help people the most. While I’ve tried to be thorough this list is just a beginning of items you can donate this year to meet the needs in your community, so if you have more suggestions and ideas I would love to hear them in the comments below.
This list has two parts, including both food items, and also non-food items, since both are so important.
Recommended Reading: Great Plains Food Bank Volunteer
Organize A Food Drive
The SCV Food Pantry is in constant need of food supplies.If you are in a position to coordinate a food drive on your own, we would greatly appreciate your contribution. Food drives can be organized for your school, church, club, civic organization, or even your own neighborhood. We encourage everyone to take action in the community and are here to support you in any way.
Get more information on how to arrange a food drive.
Most Needed Food To Donate To Food Pantry
Meal kits that dont require extra ingredients.
Kits that include canned meat, canned sauce and pasta all in one box are great choices. This means the person receiving them can make them without having to purchase additional ingredients.
Pancake and muffin mix that only require water.
Special treats or easy breakfasts are much needed and appreciated, and one of the simplest is pancake or muffin mix that only requires you to add water. Mixes which require additional ingredients, such as oil or eggs, sometimes make it more difficult for a person or family to actually make the food item.
Canned soups and pasta meals.
Soups or even canned ravioli or pasta meals that dont require anything other than a heat source to eat are excellent for those who have limited resources, including sometimes not a very well equipped kitchen. There are many places recipients of these donations may be able to heat up these types of meals, and many kids love them and it can provide a filling warm meal.
Canned meat.
Variety of canned fruits.
Statistics say that food pantries really need more canned fruit. They often get fruit cocktail and pineapple, but peaches, pears and even cherries or tropical fruit blends would be welcomed.
Fresh produce.
Fresh fruits and vegetables, potatoes, onions, sweet potatoes and similar are always welcome at any food pantry and rarely donated.
Allergy friendly food options.
You May Like: Second Harvest North Central Food Bank
Hunters And Meat Processing
HUSH, or Help Us Stop Hunger, reduces Iowas deer population and provides high-quality ground venison to Iowans facing hunger through food banks. Hunters can donate legally harvested deer through participating USDA meat lockers. If you have any questions, please email or call 515-725-8265.
Processing your own pork, beef or other meat? We welcome donations processed in a USDA-inspected locker. Your locker will be able to tell you whether they meet these requirements.
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.
You need to remember that food banks clients may suffer from various health issues like diabetes, so foods with high fiber or low sugar are better than processed foods. You can also start a food drive instead of donating food to a food bank. No matter which source of donation you choose, there are certain things you should keep in mind before donating anything.
Food And Meals Are Not The Only Items You Can Donate Hygienic Products Are On The List As Well
Image credits: PunkyMantilla
If you are struggling, food is obviously a much-needed commodity. But sometimes, there are items that can be just as crucial. Of course, these usually are hygienic products, something that often slips our minds when we think of food banks. However, everything from soaps to dishwashing liquid to diapers would also help people in need. After all, those who are suffering in these hard times likely have sparse income, so everyday essential items might be out of reach to some of them.
Read Also: Can Food Banks Give Out Expired Food
Monetary Donations For Food Pantry Items
You can also donate money so that food banks can operate well. The money you donate is used for various operations such as infrastructure, marketing, staff support, and ongoing supplies.
Money helps them to cover the cost associated with building the pantry in new locations. They also need to give salaries to people that work in the pantry like the food pantry coordinator and different volunteers. Money is also used for marketing services to get the word out into the community.
We would advise you to include another essential item- a can opener. The people who depend on food banks for food do not have can openers. It will become difficult for them to open the cans they are given.
So, the next time you go grocery shopping, consider buying a can opener so that it becomes easier for the receiver of your donation to eat what they are given.
Cooking essentials like spices, salt, pepper, or garlic powder should also be donated. These help in making a meal taste good. Even if you dont have a baby in your house, you should consider donating things for a baby like diapers, baby food, etc. it will make it easier for families that face economic problems to raise their babies.
You will also find meals in the box in the market these days. This is an excellent option if you want to donate food pantry items. The food bank would happily accept an entire meal in one package.
Whats In A Food Parcel
Weve worked with nutritionists to make sure that the food parcels supplied by food banks in our network contain at least three days worth of nutritionally balanced meals for individuals and families. These emergency food parcels are not designed to meet long-term need thats why food banks also offer additional support like debt advice where possible.
A typical food parcel includes:
Food banks will also provide essential non-food items like toiletries and hygiene products where they can.
Also Check: Food Banks In Glendale Az
Looking For A Convenient Place In Your Neighborhood To Drop Off Your Food Donation To The Food Bank All San Antonio Area Goodwill Stores And Donation Centers Have A San Antonio Food Bank Red Barrel For Your Non
For questions regarding individual and group food donations, please contact:
FOOD & FUND DRIVE COORDINATOR
5200 Enrique M. Barrera PkwySan Antonio, TX 78227210.337.FOOD 210.337.3663 info@safoodbank.orgMonday-Friday | 8 AM 5 PM
Get Social
Have A Concern? File An Ethics Report
QUICK LINKS
501
The San Antonio Food Bank is a 501 non-profit organization providing millions of pounds of food to more than 500 charitable organizations in Southwest Texas serving those in need. In addition to food distribution, the San Antonio Food Bank provides numerous programs that not only solve the immediate problems of hunger, but help individuals and families gain long-term food security.
Privacy Statement
The San Antonio Food Bank values the privacy of our donors and does not copy, reproduce, publish, post, distribute, share or sell, the name, personal contact information or description of donors to any outside individual or business. Exceptions are those required by law, requested in grant applications or in connection with bank credit or debit card transactions made with prior knowledge or consent of the donor.
Donate Food To Neighbors Struggling With Food Insecurity
Food donations from individuals, groups, and businesses are an integral part of Food Bank for the Heartlands mission. We rely on donated food in order to provide nourishing meals for thousands of people each month. Whether you want to organize a food drive in your community or at your office, or youd like to find a place for the surplus of carrots in your community garden, read on to learn how you can contributeand which food items we need most.
Don’t Miss: Second Harvest Food Bank Of Middle Tn
List Of Food Pantry Items For Donations
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.
You need to remember that food banks clients may suffer from various health issues like diabetes, so foods with high fiber or low sugar are better than processed foods. You can also start a food drive instead of donating food to a food bank. No matter which source of donation you choose, there are certain things you should keep in mind before donating anything.
Most Needed Food Bank Donations
Most food pantries have an overabundance of things like corn or beans. This year donate things like peanut butter or canned tuna or chicken.
While food banks are in major need of donations, especially around the holidays, there are some foods that are more helpful than others. Clearing out your pantry of unwanted items might help you reduce clutter and allow you to make a donation, but if you dont want some strange can of food chances are a food pantry wont benefit from it either. Some of the most needed food bank donations are often the most forgotten. Make your donation a little more beneficial this year with items like:
Consider donating items that are appropriate for several age groups like instant oatmeal or various canned fruits and vegetables.
Peanut butter & jelly Full meals in a can/box Instant breakfasts Instant mashed potatoes
Food pantries are in dire need of foods for varied diets. High-protein items that can be created into balanced meals for people of all ages are in demand. While any donation is appreciated, food pantries want to be able to provide a good source of nutrients for individuals and families.
Add value to your donation this holiday season. Dont donate anything you wouldnt be happy to feed your family.
Read Also: Houston Food Bank Volunteer Age
Hosting A Food & /or Fund Drive
Hosting a food & fund drive is a great way to support the 410,000 Utahns facing hunger.
Thank you for your interest in hosting a food & /or fund drive to benefit Utah Food Bank. Food drives that collect 500 lbs. or more are eligible for Utah Food Bank transportation services for supplies and food pick up. Please arrange to have your donations ready for pickup in a centralized location on the first floor of your building. If there is a large amount of food, we appreciate having someone from your organization available to assist our driver.
If you have questions about food drive registration, please contact our Food Drive Coordinator at 887-1266 or . Many of the answers to your questions may be found in our Food Drive FAQs.
Please note: in order to receive supplies or transportation, we require a food drive to be registered one week prior to the start date.
We request that food donations meet the following criteria:
- All natural ingredients
- No high fructose corn syrup
Most needed food items:
- Other Boxed Meals
Become A Friend Of The Food Pantry: Automatic Monthly Donations
Monthly donations ensure that the SCV Food Pantry has an ongoing income source to support the dynamic needs of our community. Monthly donations allow us to purchase items we might run out of due to a lack of food donations. Whatever you can do to help on a monthly basis is truly appreciated. We pledge to be honorable stewards of all donations.
Read Also: Volunteering At Food Bank Experience
The Best Foods For Food Donations
- Rowan University
There are a lot of food drives during the holidays. What food banks need most is cash, but when the Scouts come knocking at your door collecting food or youre asked to bring a non-perishable item as entrance to the schools holiday concert, food is in order.
NPR did a piece on the types of pantry staples that can help those who rely on food banks to build healthy meals. Food banks say the focus should be on on whole, unprocessed or minimally processed foods to help people create healthy meals. Instead of donating foods that are high in salt, sugar and highly processed grains, bring foods that are high in protein, healthy fats and whole grains instead.
Also Check: Who Can Use Food Banks
How Do You Use A Food Bank
To receive a 3-day parcel from a Trussell Trust food bank and most independent food banks, youll need a food voucher, for which youll need a referral.
You may be able to get a referral and voucher from a number of different agencies and organisations, including housing associations, your GP or mental health teams, advice charities including Citizens Advice and childrens centres, who will assess your need. The Trussell Trust also advise that you can call or email your local Trussell Trust food bank, who will let you know which referral agencies they work with in your area.
Once you have your voucher, you can go to your local food bank, where you will be welcomed by trained volunteers. Theyll sit down with you and discuss your needs, provide a food parcel and also potentially help you find support.
Recommended Reading: Food Banks In Louisville Ky
Read Also: Northern Indiana Mobile Food Bank Schedule