More Food Bank Donation Ideas

Happy December, y’all! I know we are a few days into the month, but I still wanted to say that. As the holiday season is in full swing now, I wanted to take a moment to think about those who may be food insecure. If you’re food insecure, it’s probably hard to celebrate anything this time of year; it seems to be all about food. I shared an extensive list of food bank ideas a few years ago. You can find that post here. As time has passed, I’ve seen and learned a bit more about food banks. As such, I want to share some more food bank donation ideas.

With the cost of living skyrocketing, food banks see more requests for assistance. Earlier this year, Food Banks Canada released some numbers. In March 2024, there were over 2 million visits to food banks. That’s just in one month, and things have not improved much in the following months.

Let’s look at a list of more food bank donation ideas!

Unusual Non-Food Items to Donate

In my previous post, I mentioned non-food items such as feminine hygiene products, diapers, wipes, and toothpaste.

Unusual Food Items to Donate

In my previous post, I mentioned some newer ideas for food donations, such as gluten-free, organic, and nut-free products. You may find that some of the items below also work great for cleaning!

Donating Do’s & Don’ts

Do consider your community. Are there a lot of students, seniors, immigrants, or kids? Consider their needs and wants.

Don’t donate items in fragile packaging, especially glass. If the glass breaks, it’s a mess to clean up and may cause injury. Items in glass jars also tend to be heavier.

Do read package instructions. If an item needs more than simple water, it may be difficult for everyone to use.

Don’t donate a bag full of assorted items. If you can afford to do so, purchase a case of one or two items rather than one of ten items. It will make it easier for the food bank to sort and stock on its shelves.

Do consider donating smaller packages of items. It is easier for people to use a small pack of pasta than a large pack.

Don’t donate expired food. If the package’s expiration date has passed, reconsider donating it to the food bank—the same for packages that may be damaged. We don’t want to make anyone sick.

Do donate cans with pull tops over those requiring a can opener.

Don’t break the bank! While many organizations ask for donations, don’t spend more than you can afford. Shop sales, use coupons, and even the dollar store to find ways to make your donation more impactful.

Do get the family involved! Have your family suggest some items to donate. Take them with you when you drop off your donations. Even better, volunteer together.

If you want to donate to your local food bank but are unsure what to give them, consider a cash donation. Many food banks have agreements with vendors to purchase items at wholesale cost, meaning they may be able to supply people with fresh foods like meat, dairy, and produce that you aren’t able to.

Additional Resources

Here are some additional resources to help you on your journey.

• USA: U.S. Hunger Relief Organization | Feeding America
• CANADA: Food Rescue Charity In Canada | Second Harvest
• CANADA: Home – Food Banks Canada
• INTERNATIONAL: UN World Food Programme (WFP)

Conclusion

These are all suggestions. The best way to know what your local food bank may need is to ask them. Some food banks accept fresh food, while others don’t. Some also take donations that aren’t just food, and some don’t. This busy holiday season, let’s consider those around us who may not be as fortunate as we are.

Those are some more food bank donation ideas. Did I miss anything? What items do you tend to donate to your food bank? If you know of any other resources, please leave a link below. Happy holidays y’all!

Are you looking for more food-related content? Check out my other Foodie Fridays posts.