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In 2023, 13.5% of U.S. households were food-insecure, meaning they weren’t sure they would have enough food to meet their needs. The year prior, 49 million Americans turned to food programs like food banks for assistance. If you’re looking to give back to those in need, donating to a food bank is a great idea. But to be most supportive, it’s worth understanding the types of donations that food banks could use most.
We spoke with three registered dietitians with leadership experience at food banks around the country. They shared the top eight items food banks need most, items not to donate, and the best ways to get connected with a food bank in your community.
The 8 Items Food Banks Need Most
1. Shelf-Stable Proteins
Protein is an essential part of a well-rounded diet, and protein-rich foods are some of the most expensive foods at the grocery store. The three experts we interviewed said that food banks could really use shelf-stable proteins.
This includes items like canned chicken, salmon or tuna; beans or lentils; and nut butter. Consider items that could be used to make easy meals like casseroles, pasta dishes or sandwiches.
When it comes to canned goods like beans or tuna, look for pull-tab lids that don’t require a can opener, for better accessibility, says Clancy Harrison, M.S., RDN, LDN, food equity advocate and founder of the Food Dignity Movement.
2. Nutritious Grains
Nutritious grains like rice, pasta, oats, millet, quinoa and whole-grain cereals are other top-needed donation items, says Danielle Sanders, M.P.H., RDN, LD, CHES, previous healthcare partnerships manager at the Houston Food Bank.
Whole-grain snacks are also great for children and families, says Samantha Monks, M.S., RDN, CDN, director of health and nutrition at the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. Some ideas include popcorn, Cheerios, whole-grain crackers, whole-grain granola bars and Belvita bars.
3. Canned Fruits and Veggies
Fruits and veggies provide essential micronutrients and fiber for overall health, and canned options can be just as nutritious as fresh ones. They’re important items for donation recipients to be able to put together well-rounded meals.
Sanders recommends donating low-sodium canned vegetables and canned fruits packed in their own juice or water. This minimizes sodium and added sugars, which are linked with heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. Remember, when it comes to canned foods, pull-tab lids are best.
4. Cooking Basics
It may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but cooking basics are very helpful donations, says Sanders. This includes things like shelf-stable cooking oils, common spices or spice blends, and low-sodium broths. These items can help fill in culinary gaps so recipients can make tasty meals.
5. Nonperishable Dairy
Most dairy products require refrigeration, yet dairy products contain important nutrients like calcium and vitamin D. Sanders recommends donating powdered milk, shelf-stable milk and shelf-stable plant-based milk alternatives. This can help families get in important nutrients and put together easy meals or snacks like cereal with milk.
6. Canned Soup
Another helpful canned donation is soup, according to all three experts we spoke with. Low-sodium soups are ideal, since consuming too much sodium can raise blood pressure, a condition that’s more likely to affect people living in poverty.
Just like other canned items on this list, try donating canned soup in pull-tab cans. This makes it easier for recipients to open it without needing extra kitchen tools.
7. Culturally Relevant Foods
Although not a specific item, it’s important to donate foods that are culturally relevant to your local community. It’s worth calling your local food bank to inquire about any culturally relevant foods that could serve your community, says Harrison. If you live in an area where certain cultures are prevalent, consider donating nonperishable foods central to their cultural cuisines.
8. Cash Donations
Food isn’t the only type of donation food banks could use. “Providing monetary support may be a more effective option, allowing the food pantry to acquire the specific food items they need,” says Harrison. Cash donations are incredibly helpful, as they can help food banks further their programming and use the money in the way that best serves the community.
Items Not to Donate
Nutrient-dense items are most helpful for food banks, so try to prioritize whole foods with minimal saturated fat, added sugar and sodium, if possible. “Generally, because of an effort to support community health, food banks are looking for donations of nourishing whole foods rather than items that provide minimal nutrition. This helps them offer choices to neighbors that fight food insecurity and also support health,” says Sanders.
Although it can be tempting to hastily donate all of your unwanted pantry items to a food bank, ensure that items aren’t already opened, damaged or expired before donating them. These kinds of donations can’t be used by a food bank and could actually create more work for the staff and volunteers. “Such donations are not only disrespectful but also waste valuable resources, including trash removal and volunteer hours. If you wouldn’t eat it, please don’t donate it,” says Harrison.
Furthermore, ask your local food bank whether they accept perishable foods. “Some food banks may lack refrigeration capacity to store and also worry about breaking the cold chain,” says Monks. She also says it’s best not to donate food in glass containers, as they’re easily breakable.
How to Find a Local Food Bank
First, it’s important to note that a food bank and a food pantry are not one and the same. “A food bank is a large warehouse that sources and distributes food to food pantries, which are smaller organizations responsible for delivering that food to those in need,” explains Harrison.
To connect with a food bank in your area, Sanders suggests using Feeding America’s Food Bank Locator. You can search by ZIP code and find a food bank near you, along with resources to donate or volunteer. To find a local food pantry, you can Google “food pantry near me.”
“If you already know the name of the food bank(s), try looking them up on social media where they tend to post about donation needs and specific volunteer opportunities throughout the year,” says Sanders. You can also check their websites or email them to inquire about their specific needs, drop-off locations and collection times.
The Bottom Line
Food banks could use your help to fight food insecurity. When donating to a food bank, don’t just grab all the old cans in your pantry and bring them to a donation center. Instead, donate with intentionality to best honor your food bank’s needs. Food banks could generally use items like shelf-stable proteins, nutritious grains, canned fruits and veggies, nonperishable dairy, low-sodium soups and cooking basics. Culturally relevant foods and cash are also beneficial donations. Most important, make sure the items you’re donating aren’t expired, damaged or already opened.