One of the most productive types of donations you can make is that of food. With growing economic woes spreading across the nation, more families are turning toward charity-run food banks for a helping hand. Whether sponsored by local churches or community groups, nearly every major city has a food donation program. As the need to feed the hungry increases, food banks feel the strain. That is why donating food is so essential.
Types of Food Donations
Because you don't know when your contribution will be distributed, the general rule of thumb is to donate nonperishable food. Basically, this means anything in a box or a can. Frozen items or fresh fruits and vegetables just aren't practical. Most food banks will provide those types of foods by purchasing them with cash donations. Any kind of pastas, cereals, canned fruits, crackers or sauces are wonderful ideas for offerings.
Think About Families in Need
When selecting your donated food items, consider that often they will be going to families in need. This means striving to find foods that will make decent meals. That can of garbanzo beans in your cabinet just won't cut it. Nutritious items such as canned tuna or chicken that can be added to pasta and sauces or boxed dinners like Hamburger Helper or macaroni and cheese will go a long way toward feeding a hungry family. And keep in mind that kids will appreciate snacks like cookies and graham crackers. You can't go wrong if you simply imagine what it would take to satisfy your own family.
Build a Donation Stockpile
As you do your weekly grocery shopping, try buying a couple of items intended for donation and set them aside. At the end of the month, you could have a decent little stockpile of food to donate. Get your kids involved in the process by letting them pick out one or two items per shopping trip. This can teach them valuable lessons in giving back their society and allow them to appreciate all that they have.
Start Your Own Food Drive
You can turn any work environment into an ongoing mini food drive. Get permission from your boss to set out a box with a sign proclaiming your intentions. Then spread the word. Once your co-workers see what you're doing, no doubt they'll want to pitch in as well. Traditionally, food donations increase around the holidays as everyone gets into the giving spirit. Folks need to eat the rest of the year, though, so keep your work donation program going.
Where to Drop Off
A quick Google search of food banks in your area will reveal the times and places closest to you to drop off your donated items. There are some banks that even offer pickup services for larger donations. Dropping off your donations can be another positive family outing and shouldn't require a lot of time or effort on your part. If there aren't food banks close to where you live or work, check with your local church. Chances are it will accept food donations and forward them to the appropriate organizations.
Other Donations
Food donations are extremely important, but your giving doesn't have to stop there. Those same families reaching out for meals can probably use other items that you aren't using. Clothes, bedding, kitchen utensils, and pots and pans are always in demand. And don't forget about more personal items like toothpaste, soap and shampoo. These types of gifts will go a long way toward making those down on their luck feel better about themselves.
Volunteer
Another charitable commodity beyond food donations is your time. When you drop off items at a food bank, perhaps you can donate an hour or two to help stock and distribute those items. Most food banks are run and supported exclusively by volunteers. These are folks just like you who merely want to help out any way they can. That's good company to keep.
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