Experts share how to make a food bank donation that best serves your local community.
But to be most supportive, its worth understanding the types of donations that food banks could use most.
We spoke with three registered dietitians with leadership experience at food banks around the country.
Photo:Eating Well/Getty Images
The 8 Items Food Banks Need Most
1.
The three experts we interviewed said that food banks could really useshelf-stable proteins.
This includes items like canned chicken, salmon or tuna; beans or lentils; and nut butter.
Consider items that could be used to make easy meals like casseroles, pasta dishes or sandwiches.
Some ideas include popcorn, Cheerios, whole-grain crackers, whole-grain granola bars and Belvita bars.
Theyre important items for donation recipients to be able to put together well-rounded meals.
Sanders recommends donating low-sodiumcanned vegetablesand canned fruits packed in their own juice or water.
This includes things like shelf-stable cooking oils, common spices or spice blends, and low-sodium broths.
These items can help fill in culinary gaps so recipients can make tasty meals.
This can help families get in important nutrients and put together easy meals or snacks like cereal with milk.
Canned Soup
Another helpful canned donation is soup, according to all three experts we spoke with.
Just like other canned items on this list, try donating canned soup in pull-tab cans.
This makes it easier for recipients to open it without needing extra kitchen tools.
Cash Donations
Food isnt the only key in of donation food banks could use.
This helps them offer choices to neighbors that fight food insecurity and also support health, says Sanders.
Such donations are not only disrespectful but also waste valuable resources, including trash removal and volunteer hours.
If you wouldnt eat it, yo dont donate it, says Harrison.
Furthermore, ask your local food bank whether they accept perishable foods.
She also says its best not to donate food in glass containers, as theyre easily breakable.
To connect with a food bank in your area, Sanders suggests usingFeeding Americas Food Bank Locator.
To find a local food pantry, it’s possible for you to Google food pantry near me.
The Bottom Line
Food banks could use your help to fight food insecurity.
Instead, donate with intentionality to best honor your food banks needs.
Culturally relevant foods and cash are also beneficial donations.
Most important, see to it the items youre donating arent expired, damaged or already opened.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service.Food Security in the U.S. Key Statistics & Graphics.
Feeding America.Hunger in America.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About Sodium and Health.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Get the Facts: Added Sugars.
2023;20. doi:10.5888/pcd20.230065.
