Food Donation Basics

This is the time of year that many people donate food to food drives. To ensure that your donation can be used, remember these donation tips.

Non-perishable items are always needed. Donate items that are factory sealed and try to avoid dented or rusted cans. Most agencies will not accept home-canned or home-packaged foods, but be sure to ask—you may be surprised. Open or partially used items can usually not be accepted.

If you are planning on shopping for items to donate, call the agency first to see what they are low on. Try to contribute basic foodstuffs, including rice, pasta, canned tuna, canned soups and stews, peanut butter, canned milk, canned beans and vegetables, and hot or cold cereals. Extras like coffee, tea, spices, and condiments are nice to include as well.

If you have non-food items to donate, ask if the agency will accept those as well. Many people are in need of tooth care products, personal hygiene items, diapers, pet food, and basics such as cleaning supplies, trash bags, toilet paper, and laundry products.

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