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Donating to a local food pantry is always a wonderful way to give back, and often flies under the radar as one of the most useful. Looking to clear out your own personal pantry and help out somebody else’s? So was this Redditor, who asked for suggestions on what types of food to donate.
Assistance is here. Here are some of the best items to donate to a food pantry.
Looking for a food pantry in your area? Feeding America provides a map to locate a food bank near you.
As mentioned by user r/AilsaLorne, it’s best to contact those who run the pantry and see what they need. “We go through unpredictable cycles of having a lot or none of one thing or another, so if someone asked me what we were most in need of I could tell them."
Pantries tend to get lots and lots of rice and pasta, so food that can be used to turn those things into full meals are always welcome. Dry beans, crushed tomatoes, and other canned veggies are perfect for that.
Another staple that can get lost behind boxes of rice and pasta is protein. There are all kinds of proteins out there that can be stored without refrigeration, like canned tuna, beef, and more. Protein bars work, too. These items can transform somebody's basic meal into something more substantial.
Everyday toiletries can be forgotten in the pasta-and-rice donation frenzy, and things like men’s shaving products, feminine hygiene products, and infant/toddler care are infinitely useful.
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Seasonings, spices, and sauces are big additions to what can otherwise be a disappointing meal. If your stuff is already open, there are ways around that. “People are leery of opened packages,” one user explains, “But if you can organize together with someone with a vacuum sealer, do bulk purchases, and make mini groups of seasoning packages - people will love it!”
Related: Where to Apply for Food Assistance in Every State
Many families that rely on food pantries have kids that need to grow up pretty fast, and things that are easy to cook are invaluable. Ramen, Kraft meals, and hearty soups are exactly that.
Related: Cheap and Easy Food Hacks for College Students on a Budget
Many Redditors who worked for food pantries said that while there is more peanut butter than anybody can count, jellies and jams are sadly absent. Peanut butter is nothing without its jelly.