20 Foods That Food Banks Need The Most
20 Foods That Food Banks Need the Most
The Season of Giving is nearly upon us, and while most of us have plans to spend the holidays with friends and loved ones, now is also the time to think of those less fortunate. But if you're going to donate to food banks, some foods are better than others. Here are 20 foods that food banks really need.
All-Natural Juice
All-natural, 100-percent juice is a great source of vitamins (and the juice boxes are great for kids), but make sure that it's all-natural; high-fructose corn syrup shouldn't be an ingredient in anything that you donate.
Baby Formula and Food
Don't forget about the babies! Formula and baby food are always needed.
Broth and Stock
Cans of beef, chicken, or vegetable broth and stock are some of the most versatile foods out there because they can be used as foundations for soups and sauces or eaten on their own.
Brown Rice
Brown rice is much more nutritious than white rice, as it is filling and a great source of soluble fiber.
Canned Fruit in Juice
Canned fruit makes for a great non-perishable snack; just make sure it's not packed in syrup, which is all sugar.
Canned Tuna, Salmon, and Chicken
Protein, protein, protein. Many food banks struggle to provide those in need with enough protein. These can be easily added to many other dishes to create a balanced meal.
Canned Vegetables
Vegetables are a vital part of a nutritious diet, but fresh ones can easily go bad. Canned vegetables are a great and versatile choice; low-sodium canned vegetables are even better.
Canola and Olive Oil
Cooking oils are always in high demand at food banks, so canola and olive oil (it doesn't need to be extra virgin) are good options because they're the highest in mono-unsaturated fats.
Condiments and Spices
Would you make a tuna sandwich with just a can of tuna and nothing to mix it with? Some mayo, salt, and pepper go a long way.
Dried Fruit
Dried fruit also makes for a filling and nutritious snack, but just make sure that it's no sugar added.
Honey
Honey is a great item to donate because it is an ideal all-purpose sweetener and it never expires.
Mixed Nuts
Also a great source of protein, vitamins, and healthy fats, nuts make for a wholesome and nutritious snack. Just make sure that they are unsalted, raw nuts. Otherwise, they might be filled with sodium or sugar.
Instant Oatmeal Packets
Full of fiber and protein, oatmeal is easy to make and fills you up. The individually portioned instant packets are among the best items to donate.
Low-Sodium Pasta Sauce and Soup
Soups are a no-brainer, but make sure that they're low in sodium. Same goes for pasta sauces: What good is pasta without sauce?
Peanut Butter
Not only is peanut butter high in protein and incredibly versatile, it's also a bona-fide comfort food.
Quinoa
Quinoa isn't just a versatile grain, it's a complete protein, in that it contains all of the essential amino acids. It's one of the healthiest grains you can eat.
Shelf-Stable and Powdered Milk
Fresh milk only stays good for a couple weeks, but is always in demand. It's a good source of protein and calcium, so shelf-stable milks like Parmalat and powdered milk are great alternatives.
Unsweetened Applesauce
Just about everybody loves applesauce, especially kids, and a cup of it can provide comfort as well as a serving of fruit.
Whole Wheat Pasta
Filling and non-perishable, pasta can feed an entire family for the price of just one box. Plain pasta is made with enriched flour, which contains little in the way of vital nutrients. Donate whole wheat pasta instead, which is full of fiber.
Granola Bars
Granola bars make for a very healthy snack. They are also filling and provide plenty of protein. Just make sure that whatever bars you choose aren't too high in sugar.