The Top 10 Most-Needed Food Donations
Hello Wonderful Community,
Melissa here, reaching out to remind you that September is Hunger Action Month. Did you know that in the US alone, over 34 million people are living with food insecurity? Working people. Children. Seniors. Military. Disabled. Homeless.
Food insecurity doesn't discriminate.
At Modern Prairie, our hearts are set on filling some hungry tummies in our own community, and we hope to inspire you to do the same!
Click here to find your local food banks!
As of 2024, one-in-five Americans rely on soup kitchens and food banks to survive. If you have time to volunteer, it's a beautiful opportunity to be of service and really see with your own eyes, the good that can be done. If you're not able to volunteer, as many of us are not— one of the most accessible ways we can help nourish our community is through local food donations!
What Should I Donate?
Top 10 Items Food Banks Need the Most
Please note: Some food banks don't accept glass jars!
- Peanut Butter- High in protein and enjoyed by children and adults alike, peanut butter is the MOST requested food donation item.
- Canned Meats- Canned chicken is a hearty and wholesome way to add protein to a quick & easy meal! Canned tuna and salmon provide essential vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Canned Beans- High in fiber and protein, canned beans are a satisfying and tasty way to add some additional substance to any meal.
- Pasta & Pasta Sauce- Filling, wholesome, kid-approved, and easy to prepare! Pro Tip: Opt for pasta sauce in cans instead of glass jars.
- Canned Vegetables- Veggies are always in high-demand at food banks! They have a long shelf-life, they are nutrient-rich, fiber-dense, and they are the easiest way to add a healthy option.
- Pantry Staples- This one often gets overlooked! Almost as important as having food, is being able to properly prepare it! Food banks are always running low on flour, sugar, spices, salt & pepper, condiments, and cooking oils!
- Healthy Cereal- It's often kids and seniors who eat cereal for breakfast because it's fast & simple to prepare. Food banks wind up getting a lot of the sugary stuff, but it's important for both kids and seniors to start their day with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Healthy "After-School" Snacks- Applesauce cups, granola bars, whole-grain crackers, etc.—wholesome foods that don't need to be prepared that a hungry kid can just grab off the shelf.
- Baby Formula- Another high-demand item because baby formula is pricey, and not every mother is able to breastfeed. Many families get government assistance with formula, but it never hurts to have on hand.
- Baby Food- Same with the formula, food banks are always happy to have some healthy options available for infants, just in case.
Are You Planning to Participate?
If you are making a food donation, donating your time, or if you have any additional tips for how we can all support our communities during Hunger Action Month, we'd love to hear from you in the comments below!
You can make a difference!
With oceans of love,
10 comments
I don’t usually donate because I am one of the individuals who NEEDS groceries and help. I am a 77 year old widow on a fixed income and sometimes the money runs out before the end of the month. I love this article and will forward it to friends. Thanks for posting this and bringing the attention to this issue!!
Thanks! Melissa for making this the topic of the month, and you and your readers are correct- if we all just give a little it will mean a lot! 🥫
The instant oatmeal is good idea and also I think canned soup or dried soup is a good donation? Just add water easy for kids n seniors too.
It horrifies me to think of kids going hungry. Here in Canada in the last five years food bank visits have gone up nearly 80 %. Rents have skyrocketed along with food, gasoline….the list goes on. We keep a pantry in our basement. Once a month or so we try to donate a bag to our local food bank. We have a breakfast program at our local schools that we donate to also. If everyone can do a little bit it is incredible the difference it can make.
I run 2 community food programs. 1. Hot lunch every Sunday, no exceptions. Then my group provides a gallon size bag with 2 proteins, 1 fruit, 1 veggie, bottle of water, single serve instant coffee, spoon, hand wipe. 1 tlight to heat and in cool/cold months a pkg. of instant oatmeal. The other pantry is a Community pantry box. Shelf staplefoods are donated. The one thing often requested is fresh produce. Neighbors share from their harvest and some are store bought. We are able to provide fresh produce 3 seasons. Sadly, beans are often donated but rarely taken. 🤷♀️ I love beans, I don’t get this.