Giving Well

A Guide to Healthy Food Donations

As the winter holiday season approaches, food banks are busier than ever, with demand soaring as many families struggle to make ends meet. Rising food prices are making it even harder for nonprofits to meet this increased need. In fact, a 2020 survey by Consumer Reports found that 1 in 5 American shoppers visited a food pantry, food bank, or community distribution center.

If you’d like to help this holiday season, consider donating nutritious, nonperishable food items. And don’t forget about practical, often-overlooked items like a non-electric can opener! Here are some healthy and useful foods to donate:

Healthy Foods to Donate:

• Spices (black pepper, cayenne pepper, cumin, cinnamon) and dried herbs (rosemary, basil, oregano)
• Low-sodium canned beans (black beans, kidney beans, chickpeas)
• Oatmeal (old-fashioned rolled oats), brown rice, quinoa
• Whole grain, lentil, or chickpea pasta
• Low-sodium spaghetti sauce, canned tomatoes, diced chilies, and low-sodium soups/stews
• Peanut butter and sunflower seed butter
• Whole wheat crackers and tortillas
• Granola bars (low-sugar options like KIND, Nature Valley Simple Nut, or Protein Bars)
• Unsweetened applesauce cups and canned fruit in 100% juice or water
• Canned meats (tuna, salmon, chicken)
• Low-sodium chicken and vegetable broth
• Low-fat powdered milk and shelf-stable unsweetened almond milk
• Olive oil, canola oil, and cooking spray
• Foil and dish soap

Tips for Donating:

• Avoid glass containers
• Opt for regular-sized products instead of jumbo sizes
• Check expiration dates and avoid donating expired items
• Call your local food bank to see if there are specific items they need

In 2021, 53 million people turned to food banks and community programs for help putting food on the table. To learn more about hunger in your community and how you can help, visit feedingamerica.org.