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- Carolyn de Lorenzo
- Expired Foods. Any expired foods might not be safe to eat, so make sure to leave these out of the food bank's donation drop-off bin. Food bank workers typically throw expired items out in order to avoid any risk to community members' health, Villarreal says.
- Anything With Opened Packaging. Similar to damaged or expired goods, any foods with open packaging won't be distributed during food drives for safety reasons, Villarreal says.
- Items Packaged In Glass Containers. Glass packaging is breakable, so food banks prefer less fragile donations. "Food in glass jars could easily shatter in the donation bin or during transport," says Villarreal.
- Foods That Need Can Openers & Special Equipment. Canned goods that need a can opener, or any foods that require special equipment to make, are not recommended as food donations.
- Best Foods For Food Donation
- What Not to Donate to A Food Bank
- Is It Better to Donate Food Or Money to A Food Bank?
Danice Tatosian, Director of Community Nutrition at Food Bank For New York City, told TODAY that what foods to donate or avoid donating is a topic that arises frequently. “Protein and dairy are always a really great option,” she explained. “Fish, shelf-stable dairy, vegetables and fruit. Fresh is great, but dried fruit and canned vegetables that ar...
Tatosian that while the food bank is appreciative of all donations, they do try to avoid certain items. “We don’t accept anything in glass containers, because it can break and spoil other food,” she shared. “We really try to avoid, when possible, candy donations, sugar sweetened beverages — soda, sweetened teas, sports drinks — (and) baked goods su...
Tatosian told TODAY that, while all donations are helpful, monetary donations allow food banks to stretch a dollar. “We have a really great purchasing power, so money would go a bit further, because we can purchase in a wide range at cost,” she said. Regardless of donation, both Tatosian and Foster acknowledged a feeling of gratitude for people wan...
Dec 18, 2020 · Fruit, sauces, pickles, and other goods that are sold in glass jars should be avoided. They can easily shatter in transport, and food banks often cannot distribute them for safety reasons.
- Alexis.Morillo@hearst.com
- Associate Editor
- Peanut Butter. Liked by both kids and adults, and high in protein, peanut butter is the most requested item by food banks. Consider donating peanut butter alternatives too!
- Canned Proteins. Canned chicken is a great way to provide versatile, high-protein items to those in need. Items like canned tuna and salmon also contain vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein which make a quick and easy meal.
- Canned Beans. Canned beans - like black beans, garbanzo beans, black-eyed peas, green beans, and pinto beans - are high in protein and fiber and provide a nutritious way to fill a hungry tummy.
- Pasta & Pasta Sauce. Super easy to make and exceptionally filling, pasta and pasta sauce are great items to include in your donation box. Opt for whole grain pasta since it offers more fiber and nutrition than white pasta.
Jan 14, 2020 · Food with packaging concerns: This includes food with damaged packaging such as dented or bloated cans, packaging that is already open, or even items in glass containers, which can shatter and cause food safety concerns for any other food they’re stored near. A good rule of thumb is if you wouldn't consider buying it new, don't donate it.
- Paul Morello
Dec 15, 2022 · Villarreal advises not donating items in glass containers as they can shatter during transportation or anything that’s opened, damaged, or unlabeled. Keep the expiration dates in mind...
People also ask
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What items should you not donate to a food bank?
Can you donate food if it's damaged?
Do food banks accept dry and canned food donations?
Food with packaging concerns: This includes food with damaged packagings such as dented or bloated cans, packaging that is already open, or even items in glass containers, which can shatter and cause food safety concerns for any other food they’re stored near. A good rule of thumb is if you wouldn’t consider buying it new, don’t donate it.
