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What to Donate to Food Pantries: A Guide to Maximizing Your Impact

Wedding season is almost over. Now is the time of year when many people stop planning big parties and start thinking of ways to help others. Donating to food pantries often tops the list. This time of year, food pantries see an increase in both donations and demand, as families face greater financial pressure during the colder months.

Unfortunately the average donations often aren’t truly helpful. I have volunteered in shelters and food pantries for years. Here is my guide to they best ways to maximize your donations.

Money Is the Best Donation

Many people automatically think of donating canned goods or non-perishable items when supporting a food pantry. While this is certainly appreciated, monetary donations can go much further in helping food pantries provide for their communities.

Here’s why money is the most efficient way of helping food pantries:

  • Bulk Purchasing Power: Food pantries often partner with local food banks or wholesale distributors, enabling them to buy food in bulk at much lower prices than you would find in a grocery store. For every dollar you donate, food pantries can often secure up to five times the amount of food that the average shopper can purchase at Krogers.
  • Flexibility: Cash donations allow pantries to quickly restock high-demand items or purchase perishable goods like fresh fruits and vegetables. Money can also be used to buy culturally appropriate foods or meet the specific dietary needs of their clients.
  • Operational Support: Food pantries aren’t just about handing out food. They require infrastructure such as refrigeration, storage space, and delivery services to operate efficiently. Donating money helps cover these often-overlooked costs that are essential for the pantry to function.

The Problem with Canned Foods

When donating food, people often lean toward canned goods, such as soups, stews, and prepared meals. While these items are convenient and have a long shelf life, they are rarely the best choice for the health of the community.

Canned soups and other processed foods are typically high in sodium, preservatives, and unhealthy fats while being low in protein and beneficial nutrients. The cheaper the soup or meal, the more unhealthy it typically is. Eating these items regularly may lead to chronic health issues, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and obesity. Unfortunately, the people served by food pantries are often those who can least afford these health risks.

Healthy Foods to Donate

If you prefer to donate food over money, it’s important to consider the nutritional quality of your donations. Here’s a list of healthy, shelf-stable items that food pantries are always in need of:

  • Whole Grains: Brown rice, quinoa, whole grain pasta, and oats are excellent sources of fiber and provide long-lasting energy.
  • Canned Tuna or Chicken (in water): These are lean protein options with lower sodium than most canned meats.
  • Canned Vegetables (low or no salt added): Look for cans labeled “no salt added” to reduce sodium content.
  • Dried or Canned Beans: Beans are packed with protein and fiber. Dried beans can also stretch further than their canned counterparts.
  • Peanut Butter or Almond Butter (no added sugar): A good source of healthy fats and protein, nut butters are always in demand. Make sure it is no sugar added so people with diabetes or similar health issues can still eat it.
  • Canned Fruits (in 100% juice or water): Avoid canned fruits packed in syrup, which adds unnecessary sugar.
  • Shelf-Stable Milk or Plant-Based Alternatives: These are often fortified with vitamins and minerals and can be used in a variety of meals.
  • Healthy Snacks: Granola bars, protein bars, dried fruit, or mixed nuts are convenient, nutrient-dense snack options.

Non-Food Items Are Also in Demand

In addition to food, many pantries also distribute personal care products and household supplies, which are often overlooked. Items like soap, toothpaste, toilet paper, and women’s hygiene products are essentials that families may struggle to afford. Donating these items can make a significant difference as they are not covered by most government assistance programs.

You are doing the right thing by donating to food pantries

You want to help and that is great! Now you know the right way to help. Next time you’re considering a donation, remember that every dollar counts—and sometimes it counts more than a can of soup.

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