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Things to donate to the food bank
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items As a food bank volunteer, I see what people get excited to see. Some of these items are just basic, but you never know what people might need. With any of these sections, make sure that you research your local food bank before donating.
Sections
9
Personals: Toiletries
Baby Products
Cleaning supplies
High -Impact Baking & Pantry Staples
Nutrient Dense Proteins
Whole Grains & Fruits
Personals: Toiletries
This is the section that people often forget about when Making food bank donations. But before donated, make sure to contact your local food bank to see if they take these.
At my food bank, we give each family no matter the size one toilet paper roll. I wish we had enough were we could give more than one roll.
Great Value Soft & Strong Premium Toilet Paper, 12 Mega Rolls, 380 Sheets per Roll
Pads of all sizes are great. I always wish I could give the people who need these more than just a few.
Equate Ultra Thin Pads with Flexi-Wings, Extra Long Super Absorbency, Size 3, 28 Count
Tampons are another thing that people don't often think about. But, these people are going to have preferences of which one they like.
Equate Tampons with Premium Plastic Applicators, Unscented, Regular, 20 Count
Another thing people often ask for, but we rarely ever have it.
Great Value Fresh Scent Flushable Wipes, 2 Resealable Packs, 84 Total Flushable Wipes
If you are going to be donating shampoo, don't forget to donate the conditioner too. There are so many people out there that need both.
Suave Moroccan Oil Infusion Shampoo & Conditioner Value Pack, 15 FL OZ EA
Don't forget that there isn't just one hair type out there. We need more representation of curly hair products at the food banks.
curly hair shampoo and conditioner - Walmart.com
Bar soap or liquid is always appreciated. Get a bunch of different flavors because you never know if people have allergies.
soap - Walmart.com
Neutral smelling deodorant is the best. But fun, seasonal scents are great too. For both genders.
deorderant - Walmart.com
It's a great thing for the kids. You don't know how many kids come in with their parents, and they are more likely to want stuff that are kid friendly.
Colgate Kids Toothbrush Value Pack, Ocean Explorer, Extra Soft
Bonus points for the kiddos. If it has their favorite character.
Colgate Bluey Kids Toothpaste with Fluoride, Cavity Protection, Mild Bubble Fruit Flavor, 4.6 oz Tube
Any type of toothpaste is great.
All Toothpaste in Toothpaste - Walmart.com
Baby Products
No family should be denied basic amenities just because of their economic status.
I always feel so much better when I am able to give families with babies full diapers rather than just a handful.
diapers - Walmart.com
One of the top things I am always asked. Do you have baby wipes. And when I have to say no. I feel really bad.
Equate Baby Everyday Clean Wipes with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E, 80 Wipes
These can be very expensive for any family. It would be so helpful. Also don't forget to get NB stuff.
Enfamil Infant Powder Baby Formula with Iron 12.5 oz Can - Walmart.com
Cleaning supplies
Dish soap is always a good thing to donate. Again, always call ahead and ask or look at their website/Facebook page.
Dawn Ultra, Dishwashing Liquid, Original Scent, 18 Fl oz
Your donation doesn't have to be anything amazing. Even something as simple as Paper towels is a great thing to donate.
Black and White, 2-Ply Paper Towels, White, 88 Sheets
High -Impact Baking & Pantry Staples
As a baker, I know that flour and sugar are just the beginning. These Items Help families make the most of what they receive.
You don't have to donate such a large bag of flour. Just any amount of flour is going to be greatly appreciated.
Great Value All-Purpose Flour, 10 lb Bag
The same thing can be said about the sugar. You don't have to get this big bag of sugar, any sugar is greatly wanted and needed.
Great Value Pure Granulated Sugar, 10 lbs
People who go to the food bank need brownies too. I mean, heck even I love a good boxed brownie every once in a while.
Great Value Fudge Brownie Mix, 18.3 oz Box
Pancake & Waffle mixes are great. They can stretch so far and they can just be a great thing to have for a breakfast or dinner.
Great Value Complete Pancake & Waffle Mix, Buttermilk, 32 oz
These are perfect for everyday use. It could be for some special occasion, or just the fact that they got to the end of the week.
Pillsbury Funfetti Cake Mix with Candy Bits, 15.25 oz Box
Frosting and sprinkles on a cake aren't the solution to all the problems in the world. But maybe they will feel happy in the moment.
Pillsbury Funfetti Vanilla Frosting, 15.6 oz Tub
This is not something we always see at the food bank. But when we do, the people are always happy.
Great Value Classic Olive Oil, 17 fl oz
This is placed in the misc. section at our food pantry. Were you get to options from. 8 out 10 people will choose the oil because of how needed it is in the kitchen.
Great Value Vegetable Oil, Heart Healthy and Versatile, 48 fl oz Bottle
Think about it. How many times when you are cooking do you grab your garlic powder?
Great Value Garlic Powder, 3.4 oz
Something so simple as salt is not always donated. But it should be because there are so many times when people have asked me if we have any. It always hurts to say "I'm sorry, we don't have that today."
Great Value Iodized Salt, 26 oz
Another ingredient we don't really think about donating. Salt and Pepper are a must in kitchens.
Great Value Ground Black Pepper, 3 oz
Add this to any vegetable and make them so flavorful. Any sort of spice that you can think of is a great thing to donate to your local food pantry.
Great Value Italian Seasoning, 0.95 oz
I will defend my Mexican vanilla blend until I can't anymore. This is a great product and would be loved by every baker that comes into the food pantry.
Molina Mexican Vanilla Blend, 8.3 FL OZ
You don't have to donate the most expensive ingredients. At the end of the day, people are going to be happy that they got some spices.
Great Value Kosher Ground Cinnamon, 2.5 oz
This is one of the most used savory spices I use in my kitchen. I believe everyone should have it in there kitchen.
Great Value Ground Cumin, 2.5 oz
Ginger is another great thing to donate to the food bank. Because at the end of the day you have no idea who the hidden bakers are.
Great Value Ground Ginger, 1.5 oz
Nutrient Dense Proteins
Protein Rich foods are among the most requested because they are often too expensive for families to purchase regularly.
Tuna is always welcome. Yes, we might order some. But, we will always take more tuna.
Great Value Chunk Light Tuna in Water, 5 oz, 4 Pack
Canned Chicken is always great to donate because it can be so versatile. You can heat it up, or you can have it cold.
Great Value Chunk Chicken Breast, 12.5 oz Can (4 Pack)
Before volunteering at the food bank I had no idea that canned salmon was a thing. And yes, people do actually eat this.
Chicken of the Sea Wild Caught Alaskan Pink Salmon, Skinless & Boneless 4 Pack, 5 oz Cans
Spam is not always something we see at the food banks. But, it is also something that does not last that long. (People always take it.)
SPAM Classic Canned Meats, 7 G of Protein per Serving, Shelf-Stable, 12 oz Aluminum Can
If you are going to donate Peanut Butter may I suggest getting the bigger option. Because, if they are anything like my food bank, we are always getting the normal size of peanut butter.
Great Value Creamy Peanut Butter, 40 oz
Almond butter is a great alternative for someone with a peanut allergy.
GV Creamy Almond Butter No Stir 12oz
Another great alternative for Peanut Butter. Maybe the person doesn't have an allergy, maybe they just want something different.
SunButter Original Sunflower Seed Butter 16 oz Jar
Bluey anything is ALWAYS going to go fast. Especially if the kid is with there parent.
Bush's Bluey Baked Beans, Canned Beans, 15.8 oz Can
When getting canned food, always try to get the low sodium versions. Simply because that's what everyone is looking for. If they have to eat canned foods they want low sodium options. And it makes sense.
Bush's Reduced Sodium Black Beans, 15 oz Can
With this one they will have two different dishes. They can save the "bean juice" also known as aquafaba, and use it as an egg replacement.
GOYA Chick Peas (Garbanzo Beans), 15.5 oz Can, Low Sodium
There are people who only eat beans during winter with Chili and there are people who eat beans all year round.
GOYA Dark Red Kidney Low Sodium 15.5 oz
You can also donate dried beans because those also go fast as well.
Great Value Pinto Beans, No Salt Added, 15.5 oz
People love these. They are a fast and easy meal.
Progresso Beef Pot Roast with Country Vegetables Canned Soup, 18.5 oz
If you donate a can of chili then you have to donate a jiffy cornbread mix as well.
Great Value Brand Chili With Beans, 15 oz Can
Whole Grains & Fruits
Providing high-fiber, lower sugar options helps ensure the donations offer sustained energy.
At our food bank we have white rice. But any time we have brown rice people are so happy.
Great Value Natural Brown Long Grain Rice, 32 oz
Another thing that we don't always see. But when it does get donated, it goes out as fast as it came in.
Great Value Organic Tri-Color Quinoa, 16 oz
Just because these people are at the food bank doesn't mean they are not wanting to be healthy.
Great Value Whole Wheat Spaghetti, 16 oz (Shelf Stable)
Yes, I have had people come around with me in the food bank who needed to be on a gluten free diet. It is always so heart breaking when I can't help them as much as other people. More Gluten free options like pasta, bread and the like would be great.
Barilla Gluten Free Spaghetti Pasta, 12 oz
Even the small packets that you can get people love. Some people only like having oatmeal for breakfast, all year long, regardless of the weather.
Great Value 100% Whole Grain Old Fashioned Oats, 42 oz
Any child friendly cereal. Not the really healthy stuff, or the common "adult" cereal. I'm talking about the "normal cereals." Like Life, Lucky Charms, Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Even the grocery store-brand cereals of the same cereals are great.
Bluey by Kix Cereal, Berry Flavor, Crispy Corn Puffs, Whole Grain, Family Size, 18 oz
Pineapple of any version is always loved. It is probably one of the top things I get asked if we have.
Great Value Canned Pineapple Chunks in Pineapple Juice, 20 oz
This is another one that I get asked if we have it. People just love their mandarin Oranges.
Great Value Canned Mandarin Oranges, 15 oz
These are great to have period. If a kid comes in and starts crying or being fussy. We give them a juice box and 9 times out 10 they are the sweetest little kids ever.
Juicy Juice 100% Juice, Shelf Stable Juice Box Variety Pack, 32 Count, 4.23 fl oz Boxes
Oat milk, a version of milk for those who are non-dairy.
Oatly Chocolate Oatmilk, Ambient Dairy-Free Milk, 8 fl oz Shelf-Stable Cartons (6 Pack)
Shelf stable milk is always appreciated.
Horizon Organic Shelf Stable Whole Milk Boxes, 8 fl oz, 12 Count
Flavored milks are just great for everyone. Not just children. I mean if I was to choose between regular milk and strawberry, I would choose strawberry.
Horizon Organic Shelf Stable 1% Lowfat Strawberry Milk Boxes, 8 fl oz, 12 Count
This a great thing to have in your pantry.
Great Value Instant Nonfat Dry Milk, 3.2 oz Pouches (10 Count), Makes 10 Quarts
Not to say that we spoil kids when they come in to the pantry when we are volunteering. But most kids will also get one of these when shopping with their parents.
Great Value Unsweetened Applesauce, 3.2 oz, 12 Pouches
When shopping for a donation to the food bank, remember that there are going to be large families as well as small families. That means there are going to be families that have maybe 1 child and there are others that might have 5 children.
Great Value Original Applesauce, 48 oz Jar
Small bottles, Large Bottles, pods. Are all under donated. We don't always get them. But when we do, it is sparingly. I wish more people thought about this.
laundry detergent - Walmart.com
Nobody likes getting sick. A simple wipe from one of these and it reduces germs a lot.
Clorox Disinfecting and Cleaning Wipes, Crisp Lemon and Fresh Scent, 75 Count Each, 3 Pack
Most needed Canned Vegetables
Food banks often receive an abundance of green beans and corn, so adding variety can help the people enjoy a more balanced diet.
People do love some beets.
Great Value Sliced Beets, Gluten-Free, 15 oz
Even if this is technically a fruit, i will be putting it in the veggie section. Pumpkin doesn't have to be only at fall time.
Great Value 100% Pure Pumpkin, 15 oz
To add to this: Pickles, Olives, and any other pickled condiment that comes in a jar.
Great Value Roasted Red Bell Pepper Slices, 12 oz
Yes, we might have some potatoes at our food bank. But we are also going to be accepting more potatoes.
Great Value Sliced Potatoes, 15 oz Can
These are great to have in the pantry.
Bruce's Canned Yams Cut Sweet Potatoes in Syrup, 15 oz , Can
If you want to have arms like Popeye the Sailor main or if you want your neighbor too. This is a great way to help them.
Great Value Canned Leaf Spinach, 13.5 oz Can
Artichokes are something that not everyone thinks about all the time. And we should give the opportunity to think about them.
Great Value Quartered Artichoke Hearts, 13.75 oz
Mushrooms are a great way for people to elevate any dish.
Great Value Mushrooms Pieces and Stems, 4 oz
Think about all the possibilities with crushed tomatoes.
Great Value Crushed Tomatoes with Tomato Puree, 28 oz
Versatile Tomato Proudcts
Tomatoes are considered a "Super-food" and are staple ingredients for countless cultural dishes
The use of diced tomatoes is endless.
Great Value Diced Tomatoes in Tomato Juice, 14.5 oz Can
The great thing about tomato sauce is it can be turned into spaghetti sauce or pizza sauce.
Great Value Tomato Sauce, 8 oz Can
We can never have to much spaghetti sauce.
Great Value Garden Combo Pasta Sauce, 24 oz Jar
Tomato Paste is a "pantry workhorse" that adds deep flavor to budget friendly recipes.
Great Value Tomato Paste, 6 oz
"Birthday in a Bag" Kits
Many Food banks create special kits so families can celebrate milestones. Some are often donated. Our Food bank has had these a few times, and the smiles they generate are timeless.
This is perfect for the cake because it will hold the cake, the frosting, and the other stuff. Plus, with the lid nothing will fall out.
Mainstays 13" x 9" Rectangular Aluminum Cake Pan with Lid (2 Pack)
Everyone deserves a cake on their birthday. Or a day they feel like celebrating.
Pillsbury Funfetti Cake Mix with Candy Bits, 15.25 oz Box
This will make the birthday/special person very happy.
Pillsbury Funfetti Vanilla Frosting, 15.6 oz Tub
There's just something about blowing out candles.
Multicolor Magic Re-Light Spiral Birthday Candles, 12 Count, by Way To Celebrate
All it takes is one can per kit. And yes, coming from experience it does in fact work.
7UP Caffeine Free Lemon Lime Soda Pop, 12 fl oz, 12 Pack Cans