If you've ever experienced food insecurity, then you know how stressful and challenging it can be. Millions of people have similar struggles, and they rely on federal and state programs and food banks to bridge the nutritional gaps that arise from food insecurity.
It's painful to watch others struggle with such basic necessities, so it's natural to want to help in any way you can afford to do so. And while you probably have very little control over things like government funding at any level, you can definitely help by working with your local food bank.听Here's what you need to know.
Why Food Banks Matter
Food insecurity is a rising concern in the United States. According to the USDA, over were food insecure in 2023 (the most recent information the government has), with another 6.8 million Americans experiencing low food security. Reuters notes that about 42 million Americans help to 聽(formerly known as food stamps).听Other programs like WIC, senior food programs, and the free and reduced school lunch program rely on funding at the federal level to help alleviate food insecurity. And even with these programs, community food banks bridge important nutrition gaps, helping more than 53 million Americans annually, according to .听
In other words, millions of Americans rely on federal funding and private donations in order to feed themselves and their families enough to survive. Food banks also rely on federal funding, state funding, grants, and private donations to help meet the growing needs of America's food-insecure families. And while private donations tend to pour into food banks during the holiday season, they drop off the rest of the year. I talked with Michelle Rogers at the in Post Falls, Idaho, about what food banks most need聽so you can know that your donations are making the most聽difference.
Contact Your Local Food Bank
Rogers recommends contacting your local food bank and asking聽about their specific needs before you donate, since it can vary from place to place. This ensures that your donation has the biggest impact.
#1 Need: Monetary Donations
Rogers notes that the most effective way to donate to your local food bank is through a monetary donation. This is because most food banks have more purchasing power than individuals do, so your donation will go further.听
Limited shelf and warehouse space is another reason why monetary donations are so appreciated. This allows food banks to purchase when they need to restock instead of relying solely on food donations.
#2 Need: Non-Perishable Protein
According to Rogers, non-perishable proteins are the most essential food group that food banks need. These food items tend to be less donated, but protein is vital for nutrition. Skip the perishable fresh or frozen proteins (unless your local food bank asks for something different) and instead focus on items like:
- Canned or pouched tuna, salmon, and other seafood
- Canned or pouched chicken
- Nut butters like peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter
- Canned or dried legumes like lentils, kidney beans, and chickpeas
- Shelf-stable milk, such as milk powder
- Dried nuts and seeds
- Soups and stews
- Canned meats like SPAM
Additional Needs: Shelf-Stable Foods
If you're pulling items from your pantry, double-check for expiration dates and avoid donating expired items. Instead, opt for shelf-stable foods that'll meet nutritional and taste needs for folks of all ages.听
- Canned fruits and vegetables like applesauce, peas, peaches, canned tomatoes, and green beans
- Dried foods like brown rice, quinoa, and whole-grain pasta
- Pantry staples such as cooking oils, flour, spices, pasta sauces, and marinades
- Individually packaged instant foods that can be聽made with water, such as include oatmeal, pancake mix, whole grain cereal, noodles, mashed potatoes,聽and soup
- Beverages that can be made with water, such as instant coffee and tea or powdered fruit juice聽or milk
- Packaged meals that don't require anything other than water to cook, such as macaroni and cheese with pre-made cheese sauce
- Individually packaged foods that do not require refrigeration, like granola bars, crackers with peanut butter or cheese, fruit cups, and even protein bars
- Specialty foods, such as cake mix and frosting, or non-perishable ethnic foods, depending on the region you live in
- Foods for special dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free, low-sodium, nut-free, or vegan are always needed
- Bottled water聽
- Unopened containers of baby formula
- Baby food in non-glass jars
Non-Food Items
People experiencing聽food insecurity may also struggle to meet other, non-food, basic household needs, instead, and many food banks take these items.
- Diapers
- Personal care items, such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, soap, shampoo, and feminine hygiene products
- Household care items such as laundry detergent, kitchen and bathroom cleaners, and paper products like toilet paper and paper towels
- Non-perishable pet food聽
- Tote bags and clean, reusable grocery bags聽(for bagging items)
Donate Your Time
It's okay if you can't afford to donate goods or money to your local food bank 鈥� we've all been there. If you still want to help, consider donating your time. It takes a lot to run a food bank, so check locally for volunteer opportunities.听
Related: My Son & I Volunteer at a Food Bank: 6 Ways It Builds Our Bond
How to Donate to a Food Bank During an Emergency
During times of crisis, it's natural to want to give to a local food bank to make sure the most vulnerable members of the population are fed. While the types of items a food bank needs during an emergency聽tend to not differ during these challenging times, food banks may suffer from low volume on specific items. The best course of action is to contact your local food bank and find out what they need the most. Following your food bank on social media and forwarding their posts with requests for help can also be a great way to help at any time of year, but especially during a crisis.
I asked Michelle聽Rogers what she would recommend for families facing food insecurity. She recommends finding ways to cook that make food stretch 鈥� such as making a big batch of soup and freezing half of it for later. Rogers also suggests supplementing food bank foods by shopping at discount stores like Grocery Outlet or Winco, using coupons, and building menus around what's on sale.听
Where to Donate To Places That Need It聽Most
To find a food bank that's open and available for donations near you, the Feeding America website has a . You can also contact your local department of social services for input on food banks that need help right away, as well as your church.
What Not to Donate to a Food Bank
Although people donate with the best of intentions, there are items that food banks generally do not need and would prefer you not donate.
- Refrigerated items like eggs, milk, and cheese
- Junk foods
- Unhealthy beverages, such as soda or energy drinks
- Expired food items
- Personally prepared foods, such as home-cooked meals and baked goods
- Foods that require additional utensils to open them, such as a can or bottle opener
- Food in damaged packaging
- Food in fragile containers聽
- 础濒肠辞丑辞濒听
Since food banks are "shopped" by families, large bulk food packaging is harder for them to carry out. If you have large bulk bags of rice, for example, consider contacting a local shelter that cooks meals for people who need it to see if they can use it.
Support Your Local Food Bank
Donating to a food bank is a great way to help your community and provide a safety net for people in need. Always contact your local food bank or visit their website or social media to find out what their current needs are and bring donations that they will make the best use of. Even small donations can make a big difference for people experiencing food insecurity.听
