Best Foods to Donate During the Holidays

 



The Best Foods to Donate During the Holidays

Many people rely on food from local food banks to feed their families. Unfortunately, one in seven Americans struggles with not knowing when they will get your next meal. While we are about to embark on the holiday season, several of us are thinking about making food donations to our local food banks or churches.

But several questions come up such as what types of donations help most or what kinds of food should you avoid donating? We have come up with a list to help you help others this holiday season and the rest of the year.

Where to Start

During the holidays, it’s nice to make donations to help families make their Thanksgiving special. Making donations of items like canned pumpkin, cranberry sauce, and stuffing mix can help make a family still enjoy some of their favorite holiday meals. Here are some other ideas:

Donation Suggestions


  • Canned pumpkin
  • Canned yams
  • Cream of Mushroom, Onion, etc.
  • Cranberry sauce
  • Boxed stuffing
  • Dried macaroni
  • Dried Spices

Protein sources that have a long shelf life is another way to help families get good protein year-round. Think about donating items like canned fish and chicken, as well as vegetarian protein sources, like beans and peanut butter.

Donation Suggestions


  • Canned tuna, salmon, or chicken
  • Canned beans
  • Dried beans
  • Peanut butter
  • Nuts
  • Canned chili
  • Trail mix
  • Rice, Pasta, and Other Pantry Staples

Donating food that has a long shelf life and can be used in multiple recipes is also something to consider donating. Not many people tink to donate cooking oils, sugar, flour, crackers, or spices. When we think of food banks, we think about donating only canned foods. Here are a few foods that most of us don’t think about that make a difference in a family’s dinner time.

Donation Suggestions


  • 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
  • Box meals

Items Not to Consider

For safety reasons, items like dented cans, unlabeled packages, or expired foods should not be distributed. Some food banks don’t accept glass containers as well and won’t accept home-canned foods. Contact your local food bank for their guidelines before donating and this will help you take the guesswork out of what is and isn't an acceptable container. 

Helping Others

Food banks need our help to provide healthy meals to families across America. When considering donating, just follow this simple rule: Donate whatever you would want to eat and feed your family. NPR did a great piece on helpful ways to supply pantry staples to food banks.

We hope you take the time to help those in need in your community. Around this time of year, there are several charities looking for donations to help families. The Open Door believes in giving whether it’s in volunteering your time or donating. Contact us to learn more about the ways you can help by calling 254-442-3000 or visit us at www.supportopendoor.org.

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