20 Items Food Banks Need the Most (and 3 Things to Skip)

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[AppyPappy]

My son worked at the Food Pantry when he was in middle school. He came home and announced many of the cars had empty cigarette and beer cartons. It was still a good experience for him. The best thing about the Food Pantry is the giving and serving.

Asking for food for your children on Facebook is like the Baby Milk Factory in Iraq. They always have an excuse for why they can’t. They don’t have a car. They can’t go to the food pantry. The children have a special diet so just give them money.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Thanks for sharing. I applied to volunteer at my Food Pantry, and never head a word back. *SHRUG*

I’ll just donate from the sidelines; I’ve probably dodged a bullet. ;)

[NautiNurse]

It says to avoid things that need can openers. This is asking too much. The pop-top lids on canned items are less sturdy that regular cans.

[mouse1]

The people who are struggling are the elderly and working poor. Many times they are just over the limit to receive any help. I volunteered at food pantries in 2 Wisconsin counties. Most probably did not need it.

[Mean Daddy]

We donate the toothpaste & brushes from our dentist visits.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

The problem with SNAP or any government program is that it takes time to set up.

Well, ok that is ONE of the many problems with SNAP.

If you are out of work for a week or two and need help or if you suddenly have more people then you planned depending on you then the food banks will help you without any of the paperwork or delay.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

We have the same in rural Michigan. Mostly people who just need a little help. Now during the madness a couple of years ago we helped out in a different county and got an eye full of people who were obviously better off than we were who were taking advantage of everything they could.

Decided after the first time that we would not take the cubs with us. Being cynical is for us old people.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

“The pop-top lids on canned items are less sturdy that regular cans.”

Agreed. Those should be the LAST type of cans going into anyone’s emergency stash.

It would be OK for a Food Pantry - that food will probably be used up with in the week, wouldn’t you think?

[Diana in Wisconsin]

“The people who are struggling are the elderly and working poor.”

That’s why I feel my donations go to those that REALLY need it in my rural county.

Location matters a LOT when donating - to any worthy cause, really.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

“We donate the toothpaste & brushes from our dentist visits.”

We do the same. Thanks for the reminder - I have a bathroom drawer full of that stuff right now. ;)

[Chickensoup]

Yep.

People never need free.

[NautiNurse]

It would be OK for a Food Pantry - that food will probably be used up with in the week

Agree. It just struck me as overly restrictive to discourage cans which aren't pop-tops.

[Songcraft]

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