Guide for Donating to a Food Bank or Pantry

 Before You Donate

• Ask first: Each pantry has different needs, storage space, and rules (some can take refrigerated/frozen foods, others cannot).

• Avoid glass jars: They often break when volunteers pack boxes.

• Think access: Some recipients don’t have stoves, can openers, or refrigeration. Choose items that are ready to eat, need only water, or come in pop-top cans.

• Small packages help: Family-sized bags can’t always be divided easily. Single-serve items are great for unhoused individuals.

• High-protein, high-calorie foods are most filling and helpful.

• Include a can opener: Military-style P38/P39 openers cost pennies in bulk and can be donated to pantries.

  

  
  

Best Food Items to Donate

Canned Goods

• Meats: chicken, tuna, salmon, beef stew, Spam, chili with meat

• Beans: pinto, black, navy, chickpeas, baked beans (Bush’s, chili beans)

• Veggies: carrots, potatoes, corn, green beans

• Soups & stews: hearty options with meat or beans (pop-top lids preferred)

Dry & Shelf-Stable Goods

• Instant potatoes (mashed, scalloped, au gratin)

• Instant rice or grain sides (quinoa, couscous, Rice-a-Roni)

• Instant oatmeal, Cream of Wheat, grits

• Pasta (spaghetti, elbows, spirals) & pasta sauce (non-glass if possible)

• Pancake/waffle mix (add-water type) & syrup

• Jiffy or stuffing mixes

• Muffin, brownie, or cake mixes that only require water

• Shelf-stable boxed milk or powdered milk

• Nut butters (peanut, almond, sunflower)

• Crackers, chips, fruit cups, granola bars, protein/meal bars

Breakfast & Quick Meals

• Flavored oatmeal packets

• Cereal (family and single-serve boxes)

• Mac & cheese that doesn’t require milk or butter (like Shells & Cheddar)

• Ready-to-eat meals (Chef Boyardee, Hormel Compleats, etc.)

• Tuna or chicken salad with crackers snack kits

Condiments & Pantry Basics

• Ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, salad dressing

• Cooking oil (small bottles)

• Salt, pepper, sugar, flour

• Spices and seasonings

  
  

Fresh & Frozen Options (if accepted)

• Fresh fruits (apples, oranges, bananas, potatoes)

• Bread and rolls (can be frozen)

• Frozen meals: lasagna, pizza, pot pies, dinners

• Frozen vegetables or fruits

Non-Food Items That Are Always Needed

• Hygiene products: toothpaste, deodorant, soap, shampoo, razors, menstrual products

• Cleaning supplies: dish soap, laundry detergent, cleaning wipes/spray

• Paper goods: toilet paper, paper towels

• Pet food: dry dog or cat food (can be portioned into gallon Ziploc bags)

Other Ways to Help

• Cash donations allow pantries to buy in bulk at lower prices.

• Coordinate drives at schools or offices around specific themes (e.g., “Protein Week” or “Breakfast Box Drive”).

• Ask about volunteer needs — many pantries need help sorting, stocking, or delivering food.

Extra Tips from Pantry Workers & Families

• Bread, milk, and lunch meat are often hard to get but highly appreciated.

• Boxed milk and shelf-stable dairy alternatives are treasures for families with kids.

• Oil, sugar, flour, and coffee/tea make people feel truly cared for.

• Cake mix and frosting can make a child’s birthday special.

• Seeds (in spring/summer) help families grow their own produce.

• Avoid donating expired or opened food.