The holidays are a great time to donate food to food banks, food drives, and soup kitchens. Make the most out of your donations by following these guidelines.
- Donate foods that would fill a healthy and safe plate for the consumer, based on MyPlate recommendations.
- Cash donations are useful as pantries can generally buy food in bulk for a lower price. Also, they can buy the items most needed by their clients.
- Do not donate repackaged, expired, or damaged food.
- Donate water packed, “Low-Sodium”, or “No Salt Added” vegetables and fruit packed in “100% juice”.
- Donate 100% whole grains. Whole-wheat pasta, barley, brown rice, and wild rice are complex carbohydrates which are more satiating and filling.
- Reach out to your local food bank to inquire what items are most needed.
For more information, please view the Donating Safe and Nutritious Food to Food Pantries and Soup Kitchens, Fact Sheet or Feeding American Healthy Food Drive Donation List.
By: Ashley Svaty
