463767 Mon Nov 26 09:59:31 -0800 2007 21 27 General Chowhounding Topics 0 3155334 Our office building collects donations for our local (Los Angeles) food bank. Can anyone who works or volunteers at a food bank tell me what would be most appreciated? I would prefer to buy nutrious and unprocessed items that might not be available through larger corporate donations? Flats of canned fruit perhaps? Mon Nov 26 09:59:31 -0800 2007 10099 JudiAU 1 3155542 Hi Judi, I volunteer at our local foodbank and this time of year we're working on providing families with Christmas hampers filled with the basic non-perishables that we always offer but also Christmas dinner. Because foodbanks have good "buying power" they can usually turn a $10 donation into $40 worth of food which helps them buy perishable items like turkeys, or milk, or fresh produce for instance. Most foodbanks have websites that'll have "wish lists" posted so you can get an idea of things they are most in need of. If not, you can always give them a call. Tonight is my night to volunteer, and to give you an idea, we'll be packing upwards of 150-200 hampers with: juice, soup, beans, canned tuna, cereal, canned tomatoes, canned veggies/fruit, peanut butter, processed cheese spread, pasta and tomato sauce. There's also a baby hamper for clients with infants which includes formula(with iron) and jars of baby food. Hope that gives you some ideas - I know the foodbank will appreciate your efforts whether you donate food, money or time :) Mon Nov 26 10:54:08 -0800 2007 3155334 138472 maplesugar 1 3155750 Baby food/diapers/etc. are always needed where I volunteer. Baking and cooking supplies, too--we receive little flour, sugar, oil, vanilla, seasonings, etc and people are always asking for it (I'd say things you find yourself using a lot are things that don't get donated often). Ethnic foods. Gift cards for grocery stores. Other than that, I'd call ahead to ask. It's feast or famine and there's no rhyme or reason to it sometimes. There have been times when I've had to throw out garbage bags of perfectly good bread because we had too many for our shelves (I called around different shelters and no one could use them--apparently many grocery stores over-ordered then) and other times when we're scrounging for bread. It's the same for different canned goods, pasta, etc. Oh, and cleaning supplies are always in demand. Mon Nov 26 11:47:29 -0800 2007 3155334 39874 chowser 1 3155815 soup, canned tomatoes, noodles, pb, rice, baby food. please, for the love of god, anything but canned kidney beans--one house dh lived in had an entire cupboard of canned kidney beans, as about 10 people in the house got food bank boxes! even the vegans wouldn't touch them! Mon Nov 26 12:03:02 -0800 2007 3155334 46030 soupkitten 1 3155818 When I volunteered at a food bank, they were always short of non-perishable proteins, such as tuna, peanut butter, even spam. I'll make the assumption that in LA you will have a large population of Hispanics using the food bank, so I'd second the recommendation of ethnic foods. I'd also see if they are collecting specifically for a Christmas themed delivery--stuffing mix, cranberry sauce, etc. if that's the case; and if they accept non-perishables or not. Mon Nov 26 12:04:26 -0800 2007 3155334 109573 coney with everything 1 3155821 The current list at the local food bank is: Items most needed are: Canned Chicken Powdered Milk Canned Tuna Saltine Crackers Soups Juices White Rice Jarred or Canned Spaghetti Sauce Grape Jelly Canned Vegetables Breakfast Cereals Pork & Beans Peanut Butter Macaroni & Cheese Mon Nov 26 12:05:21 -0800 2007 3155334 11290 jfood 2 3155910 There seems to be a generic list of what pantries always need--it doesn't matter where we move, it seems like those things always pop up. One thing I just thought of is juice or milk boxes. We rarely get those and often get requests for them. Also, things to pack in lunches for the kids--individually packed applesauce, granola bars, etc. Mon Nov 26 12:29:28 -0800 2007 3155821 39874 chowser 1 3156054 I spent many years working for domestic violence agencies that housed food pantries. I can tell you that the products most in need were proteins. In particular, the following wer most popular: Peanut butter and jelly canned tuna canned chicken refried beans (I am in TX) and kid friendly convenience foods: soup cereal pasta and sauce mac and cheese juice boxes cereal bars Not food, but we were also always in need of toilet paper. The food stamp program in TX does not cover toilet paper and it was always in need. You are kind to think of those less fortunate that yourself. In my experience, food pantries enjoy the support of many during this time of year, but are bare come summer. July was always a very tough month for our pantry and thus the families we served. May I suggest you spend 50% of what you were planning now and then make another donation mid-summer when people's minds are other places? I promise you'll be a hero. Have fun spreading holiday cheer! Mon Nov 26 13:04:49 -0800 2007 3155334 95754 Honey Bee 2 3156815 That's so true and kids are home in the summer where many might have gotten subsidized breakfast and lunch during the year. July and August are the hardest times. Ironically, that's when people w/ gardens are desperately trying to get rid of their overabundance of zucchini, tomatoes, etc. There needs to be a way to match the two groups. Mon Nov 26 16:39:50 -0800 2007 3156054 39874 chowser 1 3156866 I know this might not set well with some, but as a long time food bank donator as well as an animal rescue caretaker; I know that companion animals are in need as well as their owners. Often these animals are the only companion a shut-in or senior might have. And truth be told, they are often the "first fed" when that food hamper gets home, in the same way the child gets the best first. I always try to offer up shelf stable protein items; canned tuna, peanut butter, smaller potion sizes of items (a huge can of anything will go bad before a senior in need can use all of it). And since I personally drop off my items, locally, I always include pet food bank items. In a donation drive, you might want to check the website or info source of the receiving foodbank to see if they restrict this. Mon Nov 26 17:02:52 -0800 2007 3155334 61669 Quine 1 3157329 Something that I've learned is hugely appreciated at food banks, and which I always make sure to include in my donations: you know those simple pre-filled salt and pepper shakers shrinkwrapped together, about a buck for the pair? No one ever thinks to donate salt and pepper, and as I've said, it's always been hugely appreciated when I've done so. Mon Nov 26 19:51:34 -0800 2007 3155334 17548 BarmyFotheringayPhipps 2 4245605 With regards to salt/pepper and other spices.... Get more for your money... A regular sized carton of salt, for instance, is 3/$1.00 at the local dollar store. Most other spices are about the same. ( 2 or 3 for $1.00). It pays to shop around and get the best deal. My husband and I keep track of sales from our local supermarket and grab what we can when the deal is good. We stock up on certain items throughout the month, from various stores in our area. Not making any special trips out of town, but incorporating our Food Pantry shopping with regular shopping trips for our own needs. We are from a small community (serving about 100 families) so we don't get donations by the truckloads like in the big cities. The monetary donations that the Food Pantry receives are spent at our local grocery store, which disappoints us because their prices are so high. We prefer to do our own shopping and get the MOST we can for our dollar. Plus it feels "good" to be a part of the process. If they were able to get more for the money, we would probably just donate cash, but that doesn't seem to be the case in our community. We have one grocery store and they don't give "deals" even for the Food Pantry. When we find a good deal on an item, say cereal, we buy 10-20 boxes at a time. And we try to get the "family" size boxes rather than the smaller 12 oz size. Some generic brands are just as good as name brand, so go with the larger generic if you can. Our target price is $2.00/box (family size). That's pretty good considering most brand name cereals are up to almost $5/box ! We also load up on the pasta and potato casserole mixes in the box. We usually find them on sale for .88/each and every now and then a buy one get one free deal ! Our last shopping spree included : Spaghetti Egg Noodles Flour Sugar Salt baking soda Cereal Quick Oats microwave popcorn Oyster crackers peanut butter Jelly Ketchup Mustard canned vegies Ramen Noodles Augraten Potatoes Pasta meals in a box Pop Tarts We are not "well-to-do" by any means...but my husband and I , as children, have benefited from the Food Pantry in our town. Our mothers were single working more than one job and barely making ends meet. So we have a pretty good idea what it's like to be "less fortunate". Ever have a cracker & mustard "sandwich" for lunch ? Saltines with sugar and milk for cereal ? We're FORTUNATE to have what we have today.....and we feel even more fortunate to be able to share it with those who need it more. Sun Dec 14 08:02:20 -0800 2008 3157329 248221 Suzie Sunshine 1 3157335 It's admirable to want to buy unprocessed stuff, dried beans, stuff like that--but our local food pantry director says reality is many of the folks who receive food boxes don't have a clue what to do with anything that isn't a mix or a can that you heat up. She says dried beans are especially a problem. Folks don't seem to know how to cook them. (We're talking about some mentoring programs in the community and one thing I want to do is help teach folks how to cook economically without everything having to come out of a can or a box.) Donate sweets if you can; everyone ought to have a little goodies now and then. At the emergency food program where I used to volunteer, they would get day-old bread, and cakes, cookies, pies, and donut holes from the grocery store bakery. Whenever someone would come in for a food box, we'd always make sure they got a sweetie. And as someone else mentioned, you can't buy any non-food items with food stamps, so even if folks can get food (although remember that many families depending on food stamps need emergency food at the end of the month when the food stamps run out), they can't get soap, shampoo, feminine products, razors and shaving cream, laundry soap (our local lady says that's especially in demand), etc. We always had a need for diapers, and remember to get a variety of sizes. Mon Nov 26 19:53:45 -0800 2007 3155334 32586 revsharkie 1 3157472 The pantry I helped out at was located in the Mott Haven section of the south Bronx. I unloaded tractor trailers, stocked shelves, and bagged *specified* assortments of food for later distribution to local residents. What was most appreciated by those waiting in line was always any bottles of cooking oils, boxes of cold cereals, and frozen meats when we had them. By all means, when donating, remember the children. Most of what children eat, an adult will eat, but the same is not true vice versa. Put a smile on a child's face when their parent comes to the pantry (with them in tow) and watch as they are given a box of granola bars or healthy snacks that can be included in their lunch boxes. Many times donors forget we have to give parents the "essentials", but kids should get rewards. The children did nothing wrong to be in their predicament, and we should be mindful of that. So, if you truly would like to perform a good deed, treat the children (and some adults too I'm sure) to some healthy treats and snacks. We saw no corporate donations, so go ahead and take a proactive role here and become Quaker Oats, Planter's, Kellogg's or Unilever. It certainly won't go to waste. Mon Nov 26 20:59:07 -0800 2007 3155334 10609 Cheese Boy 1 3157554 Here's a thought...Why don't you call or contact the food bank your office is donating to and ask them what would be most appreciated or what is most needed. I'm sure they're the ones who could best tell you what would be most appreciated or needed. Mon Nov 26 21:56:46 -0800 2007 3155334 141261 crt 2 3158009 A few times when I was really down on my luck, I resorted to a food pantry to feed my kids. As mentioned above, kid-friendly treats were really appreciated because we couldn't afford anything extra like that. Cake mixes and the like are great but if you're having a hard time buying food, then getting the vegetable oil or applesauce and even eggs is a chore to make those. I remember getting items like that which really were no help because I didn't have the additional ingredients to make them. Powdered milk was awesome because I could use it for cooking and only buy fresh milk for the kids to drink. Canned fruits were really good as were dried pastas, jarred pasta sauce or canned tomatoes,etc to make your own, tuna, salmon, chicken, any of those canned proteins, and canned veggies. Cereal or other breakfast foods were also well-received. Tue Nov 27 07:14:25 -0800 2007 3157554 78897 alliedawn_98 1 3158624 I needed to make use of the food bank for about a month. As a then-vegetarian there weren't many protein options, not even shelf stable tofu which isn't a high dollar item. I ended up eating peanut butter and honey sandwiches every day. I can't look at them now. Also items for people who are diabetic, or kosher stuff. Special diet, iow. When I got my first paycheck I donated everything I wished had been available. Props to the volunteer who includes pet food. I'd add litter. Tue Nov 27 10:42:38 -0800 2007 3155334 76833 dishchrista 1 3160332 When we volunteer at the food bank we always seem to notice that there is never enough cereal. I think as contributors we tend to find things for dinners and the breakfast items get forgotten. Tue Nov 27 19:38:48 -0800 2007 3155334 146076 Shelley07 1 3160443 crt had a great point about asking your local food bank what's in demand - it varies - regionally, culturally, seasonally, and more. But another thing to consider - easy preparation is often important for clients of food banks. A lack of raw materials may be matched by a lack of facilities and implements for food preparation. Tue Nov 27 20:27:27 -0800 2007 3155334 54251 rcallner 1 4174185 I used to volunteer about 4 hours a week at a homeless shelter and now put in 1 1/2 hours a month sorting food at the food bank. Our food bank is fortunate to get large corporate donations of frozen food, rice, flour, dried beans, etc that we re-package in smaller bags for distribution. We have a large hispanic population that uses dried beans all the time, so they don't go to waste around here. Peanut butter, mac and cheese, chili, soups, canned vegetables. Baby food is a much needed donation. One thing that I found much in need at the shelter and never mentioned in lists, but most of us know the large cost of - sanitary supplies. Things that never got used at the shelter were the gallon jar of pimento olives and the 5 pounds of ground emu meat. That went under the category of they didn't know what to do with them. Oh, and please, please, please check expiration dates and packaging quality before donating! Fri Nov 14 13:02:48 -0800 2008 3155334 237929 tracylee 2 4513923 Hi, any opinions on whether it's better to donate (money, not food) to a national organization like Second Harvest, or a local foodbank? I realize that by targeting a local food bank, it helps the people directly in your area -- but am wondering whether $$ are more effectively spent at the local or national level (eg b/c of economies of scale of large organizations). Thanks! Tue Mar 17 13:38:02 -0700 2009 4174185 275249 gwp 2 4515688 Hear, hear, tracylee. I think I've posted before about working at a food pantry and finding a box of rice where the coupon on the box had expired 15 YEARS prior! Wed Mar 18 06:20:00 -0700 2009 4174185 109573 coney with everything