The holiday season is a time for giving and sharing, which means that this time of year is the perfect opportunity to donate to your local food bank. It’s important to give back at any time of year, but especially around Christmas so everyone can have a happy holiday! If you’re looking for a way to spread some cheer this month, consider donating at least one item or dollar from each grocery purchase you make during December.
In the spirit of giving, you may be wondering what food items to donate to your local food bank this Christmas. When choosing items to donate I find purchasing items that I would eat myself is a way to make sure im donating healthier options. All donations matter. With that being said, if you can afford to spend a little extra try to opt for organic, non gmo items! But, like I said, all donations matter, everything counts. So without further a due, here is a list of items you can add to your shopping cart to donate this holiday season.
- Applesauce
- Cereal
- Canned Tuna
- Granola Bars
- Protein bars
- Peanut butter or other nut butters
- Pancake mix
- Whole grain items such as oats, quinoa, or brown rice
- Tomato sauce
- Canned tomatoes
- Pasta
- Low-sodium vegetable soups
- Dried fruits, no sugar added
- Canned fruits
- Canned vegetables
- Nuts & trail mixes
- Crackers or melba toast
- Jams & spreads
- Dried herbs & spices
- 100% Fruit Drinks
- Non dairy Shelf Stable Milks ( ie: almond milk, coconut milk..etc)
- Pickles
- Olives
- Salsa
- Coffee and tea
Holiday Foods
- Stuffing mix
- Box instant potatoes
- Cranberry sauce
- Gravy
- Canned carrots, peas and beans
- Powdered hot chocolate
- Marshmellows
- Dark Chocolate
- Candy Canes
- Gingerbread house kit
Other items to donate
- Toiletries – deodorant, toilet paper, shower gel, shaving gel, shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, tooth paste, hand wipes
- Household items – laundry liquid detergent, laundry powder, paper towel..etc
- Feminine products – sanitary towels and tampons
- Baby supplies – nappies, baby wipes and baby food (but not formula milk)
- Hats, Mitts, socks, etc
- Toys
Avoid donating these foods
There are many other foods you can donate to the food bank, but here are a few that you should avoid giving:
- Alcohol
- Opened packages
- Expired food
- Homemade food
- Junk food
- items with glass or cellophane packaging, which can be broken in transit
- things that need can openers or special equipment (pop-top cans–whether for veggies, meat or fruit–are a plus)
Lastly, donating cash is always a great way to give to the food bank. Cash donations allow the food bank to purchase fresh, organic produce to give to food bank consumers. Plus, food bank dollars can have a higher purchasing power than our own money, since they can receive wholesale prices from different suppliers.
We all deserve to enjoy the holidays! Your donations will go so much farther than any other kind of present because they provide sustenance for families who may not have enough otherwise. Thank you in advance for doing something good for someone else this holiday season!
