Ways to Donate to Food Pantries

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Our family donated food to two local pantries. And if you’ve thought about doing the same, but still have questions, then read on. I’ll walk you through what we did. 

Food banks and food pantries need support throughout the year. Strains on family budgets and houseless individuals are ongoing. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits make a difference, but the need is still there.

After researching what our local pantries request and what individuals are sharing from personal experience, here is what we focused on:

• Canned goods AND seasoning packets. Canned goods are easy to tuck away for a rainy day or when there’s more month than money. But often the foods are bland. Seasoning packets enhance those basic flavors.
• Can openers. This ensures recipients can access the food available to them. It’s a hot-button topic, so check with pantries if you’re unsure. The pantries we supported were glad to have them.
• Complete meals. Not just the bread or just the jelly but both. Not just the mac ’n cheese but also the milk to make it. We found all-in-one packets of canned meat, crackers, and a spoon and stocked up.
• Cereal, protein bars, and granola bars. These are great for breakfast, snacks, and long-term storage.
• Allergen-friendly options. People with food allergies can just as easily be as food insecure as those without allergies. Think gluten-free, dairy-free, and peanut-free options.
• Treats. Food can be fun for anyone, especially children.

What works for one pantry may not work in another. The key is to research your local food pantries to see what is in greatest need at that time. Because of this, let me share more about what I learned regarding SNAP, food banks, and food pantries. 

A side note:

When we delivered our food to the pantries, K-Hubs and I explained we were once recipients of a food donation from our daughter’s preschool director. She knew our family was undergoing significant change as we navigated a flood of food allergies and chronic pediatric health conditions. I looked tired enough she asked after my health. K-Hubs worked two jobs while I kept food diaries and medical appointments for the girls. Our food bill was through the roof (more than our mortgage payment). And this particular preschool was the only one in the area equipped to handle our daughter’s care needs. I’m not going to lie. We came from a place of greater privilege, and yet it was still overwhelming. I can only guess as to how much harder it is for those who start from a more challenging place.

The preschool director said her family had also undergone dietary changes but were pretty well settled with what they were doing and would I like her leftovers? Umm, sure, okay? I didn’t know what she meant, but I quickly learned. The next day at preschool she delivered to me a huge box of paleo-friendly foods her family no longer needed. She also included an e-cookbook she had used to learn new recipes.

I cannot tell you what a relief it was to receive that care package. It literally changed our family’s trajectory. I no longer felt alone on our family’s journey, I learned new recipes that were easier and lower cost to make, and tried new ingredients we hadn’t previously known about. The girls were fed, and we were cared for. However you choose to support local and national communities, I assure you, your contribution matters to someone.

What is SNAP?

According to the article What is SNAP? And Why Does it Matter? by Morgan Coulson for Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins, then-president Lyndon B. Johnson established the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in 1964 to help individuals who faced food insecurity. The program is funded through the Farm Bill, administered by states, and reaches approximately 41.7 million people. This translates to 1 in 8 Americans. 

Who typically relies on SNAP benefits in the US

Although the program helps people from different walks of life, there are three main groups that comprise the majority of assistance. According to Coulson, “…about 39% of SNAP participants were children, 20% were elderly, and 10% were nonelderly individuals with a disability.”

In addition to the three main groups listed above, the program also helps veterans and low-income individuals. Pantries serve people who receive SNAP benefits as well as those who don’t. Typically, anyone who needs food assistance can visit a pantry to receive what they need.

What is the difference between food banks and food pantries?

According to Feeding America in the article What is the difference between a food bank and food pantry?, a food bank stores food that will then be distributed to food pantries. People then visit those food pantries to receive goods for themselves and/or their families.

What should I donate to a food pantry?

It depends on the temporary storage capabilities of the food pantry. More often than not, think boxed and canned goods. Avoid donating expired foods. A more thorough list, inspired by Feeding America’s list What to donate to a food bank and what to avoid, includes:

• Canned beans
• Canned tuna and chicken
• Peanut butter
• Canned vegetables and fruit
• Shelf-stable grains like rice and pasta
• Canned soup

Feeding America says to avoid items that are damaged or have damaged packaging. And they caution people against donating perishable goods, leftovers, and baked goods with short shelf lives.

Additional considerations when purchasing goods are whether:

• Children will prepare the food. They may need microwaveable options or easy-to-open containers.
• Individuals served have access to kitchens? Some recipients do not have kitchens. Others do, but the kitchens are incomplete. For example, families may prepare food only on hot plates or only in microwaves. Soups and microwave-friendly options are likely helpful.

Can I donate perishable goods?

It depends. Before donating perishable foods, check the pantry’s website to see if a refrigerator or freezer is available to store your donation. While fresh produce is often sought after, not all pantries are equipped to store these types of high-demand items.

Both pantries we supported had refrigeration capabilities. One pantry shared the demand for fresh fruit was higher than the demand for fresh vegetables. So, if a pantry can accept perishable goods, another consideration is which types of perishable items are most desired. This can vary from community to community, so check before delivering your donation.

Take your in-kind donations up a notch

Anecdotally, I’ve seen reminders than some canned goods are, by nature, quite bland. If the pantry is amenable to the idea, include shelf-stable, nonperishable seasoning packets with the canned goods you donate. 

Consider throwing in a few fun foods, too. Prepackaged sweet treats might brighten someone’s otherwise humdrum meal routine. More specifically, I think of children who are celebrating a milestone or would like a fun treat during school snack times and lunchtimes.

Should I include can openers with my food donations?

While I am not an expert on the topic, I’ve seen comments and suggestions that, yes, if you are willing to donate can openers, then please go for it. Pop-top cans are great for a lot of people, and get around the whole can opener thing. But people with fine motor skills challenges may not be able to use the pop-tops either. In such cases, a can opener may be a difference maker.

One pantry, in particular, was happy to take can openers. A staff member even said he had a gentleman in mind who would benefit from having one of his own.

Are food banks and food pantries always in need?

Yes, there is always a need. In fact, at each location we donated, recipients waited for us to finish stocking the shelves and bins before they began their shopping.

But if you’re like me, you might be surprised to learn when needs are at their peak. For example, while conducting an interview with a local food bank several years ago, I learned my community has the greatest need for support in the month of January.

I live in Iowa, which is in the Midwestern portion of the US. Our Januarys just feel long and, as I learned, a bit forgotten. While people are generous during November and December, which is wonderful, our community experiences a significant drop-off in support once the holidays conclude. But just because the holidays conclude doesn’t mean harsh weather conditions get the same memo. In fact, in Iowa those harsh and frigid wintry conditions are just warming up. Even people with secure housing may face challenges as they balance food expenses and heating bills.

Your community may be different. So, consider researching which times of year people in your area are most vulnerable. Local food banks or food pantries in your area will almost certainly have the answers you seek.

Should I donate food or money?

In a word? Yes. If one method works better for you, then do that one. If you are in a position to do both, then go for it! Again, each food pantry is different. Whether they need in-kind or monetary donations may depend on the supply chain they have in place to acquire, store, and distribute food. Food banks often have agreements with wholesalers, which allow them to purchase food at much lower costs than if you and I were to buy and donate the same items.

On the other hand, if variety is needed, the need itself is great, or staffing levels are low, then in-kind donations likely provide relief. Smaller pantries may also rely on community contributions, both monetary and in-kind. One of the pantries we support requires daily donations to stay stocked. So while monetary donations are absolutely welcomed, so are spur-of-the-moment in-kind donations. You might be able to guess what I’ll write next: research the food banks and food pantries you want to support to see what they need right now and whether you are able to contribute in that manner.

Regardless of the path you choose, there is a place for your contribution.

Additional resources to support food pantries and food banks

From the aforementioned article by Morgan Coulson, below are additional links to find resources.

• Feeding America
• No Kid Hungry
• Little Free Pantry
• Freedge
• Find Help
• Food Research and Action Center (FRAC)

When you donate to national organizations, you’ll almost certainly be making a monetary donation that is then distributed where it’s needed the most.

Spiriteds, stay well and stay wild. Jump into the fun when you can, and always remember I’m glad you’re here. ❤️