A word of advice here. Don’t just give that old can of lima beans no one really likes anyway. First think of practical needs. Items always needed at food pantries include:
*Shelf stable proteins — Canned tuna or salmon, Canned chicken or other meats, Canned beans, Dried beans, Canned soups and stews, Peanut butter, Nuts, Canned chili, Trail mix
* Pantry staples such as Rice (especially whole grain), Oatmeal, Pasta (especially whole grain), Diced tomatoes, Tomato sauce, Canned vegetables, Cooking oils (such as olive oil or canola oil), Flour
*Holiday Ingredients and Side Dishes, Canned pumpkin, canned yams, cranberry sauce, boxed stuffing, dried macaroni, canned vegetables.
Think about healthy foods you like to eat. Hold off on the snacks and junk foods. Most food banks get more than enough of these. What they need is good food to fill people up. Some food pantries like to have juice boxes for children, but real juice only please. If you have special dietary needs think about picking up an extra when you buy your special foods. People in need also have health conditions requiring special diets. If in doubt call the food pantry and ask what they need.
Finally, remember there are hungry people every day of the year. Contribute to food pantries throughout the year, especially in the summer.
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