Copied from Twitter user "JustFara". A very helpful bit of info:
So, I spoke to people getting food at a food bank and here are some things I learned from those in need:
1. Everyone donates Kraft Mac and Cheese in the box. They can rarely use it because it needs milk and butter which is hard to get from regular food banks.
2. Boxed milk is a treasure, as kids need it for cereal which they also get a lot of.
3. Everyone donates pasta sauce and spaghetti noodles.
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4. They cannot eat all the awesome canned veggies and soup unless you put a can opener in too or buy pop tops.
5. Oil is a luxury but needed for Rice a-Roni which they also get a lot of.
6. Spices or salt and pepper would be a real Christmas gift.
7. Tea bags and coffee make them feel like you care.
8. Sugar and flour are treats.
9. They fawn over fresh produce donated by farmers and grocery stores.
10. Seeds are cool in Spring and Summer because growing can be easy for some.
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11. They rarely get fresh meat.
12. Tuna and crackers make a good lunch.
13. Hamburger Helper goes nowhere without ground beef.
14. They get lots of peanut butter and jelly but usually not sandwich bread.
15. Butter or margarine is nice too.
16. Eggs are a real commodity.
17. Cake mix and frosting makes it possible to make a child’s birthday cake.
18. Dishwashing detergent is very expensive and is always appreciated.
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19. Feminine hygiene products are a luxury and women will cry over that.
20. Everyone loves Stove Top Stuffing.
In all the years I have donated food at the Holidays, I bought what I thought they wanted, but have never asked. I am glad I did. If you are helping a Family this Christmas, maybe this can help you tailor it more. It does for me!
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Credit to Twitter user "JustFara"
@LauraWalkerKC - ask what your local food bank needs, ask what they will or will not accept.
Ours does not accept anything in glass.
All confirmed by our homeless charity, BeLoved Asheville.
I would add pkg of tube socks, deodorant, bottled water, garlic powder, brown sugar, instant oatmeal, instant hot chocolate (water base), bar soap, laundry detergent
Canned whole chickens in broth are decent. Paired with a bag of noodles and it will feed a family of four easily.
@LauraWalkerKC If it's alright, I'd like to add a few things that most overlook on donating to foodbanks.
1. If you buy fresh vegs or fruits in bulk, donate a portion of what goes unused in a weeks time to the food bank, the fresher the better but donate what is over abundant PLEASE.
2. Alternative grain products such as quinoa, rice (of any kind) and alternative flours and natural sugar replacements are ALWAYS a needed item for people with dietary restrictions that are impoverished. 1/?
@LauraWalkerKC
3. Canned goods of any kind are ALWAYS needed, bottled as well. Including seasonings, sauces, gravies and soups as well as basic pantry needs. MANY impoverished can cook but lack the means to afford it.
4. Prepared meals are always a boon for giving us poor folk a break in meal making. Quick meals that are both healthy and easy to make are great for folks with family members that are spoonies too.
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@LauraWalkerKC
5. If you do donate something that doesn't have a wide amount of known uses, cultural or ethnic - make sure to include prep instructions and a recipe to be shared for those that are unfamiliar with the donated food.
6. Fresh meats and frozen are always a NEEDED item that runs out quickly in food banks, ground meat, whether it's pork, beef, or turkey is always going to be handed out fast.
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@LauraWalkerKC
7. Never be afraid to donate extra clothing, household cleaning supplies, bathroom supplies, or medical supplies. Those go fast too!
8. Last but not least, quick recipes are something that we love to find in our food bundles from the food bank, if you have a quick meal recipe to share, please do share it! It shows us that we are cared for, in spite of our financial difficulties! 4/4
@LauraWalkerKC Another thing to note, that some food banks are happy to receive is small game packs, tabletop games, books, and even toys for families with young children. These are the types of things that most families in my kind of living situation can't afford to obtain on our own and often times our kids are just as excited for the food bank visits as the parents and grandparents are. Some food banks allow for these types of gifts to be donated, so always ask.
@LauraWalkerKC Something I would like to note in afterthought; There are many many many things that families in needy situations can use during the winter season coming. Don't be afraid to ask the Foodbank workers and operators if they have needs that hadn't been filled yet, such as blankets, warmer clothing, coats, snow boots, gloves, hats, scarves, sometimes they will direct you to another organization to handle gifting donated clothing but some do give out these items as well. >>
@LauraWalkerKC As most that do come to food banks for assistance are usually in the most emergency kind of situations. /end
@LauraWalkerKC So glad you shared this!