Plan on donating to a local food pantry this season?

Here are some tips on making it easier for volunteers and food pantries to help feed our community:

Check Their Needs: Before donating, reach out to the food pantry or visit their website to understand their specific requirements. They often have lists of most-needed items or restrictions on what they can accept.

• Donate Non-Perishables: Focus on non-perishable items with a longer shelf life such as canned goods (vegetables, fruits, soups), pasta, rice, beans, peanut butter, and cereal.

• Check Expiration Dates: Ensure the items you're donating have not expired and have a reasonable amount of time left before they do.

• Bulk Purchases: Buying in bulk and donating larger quantities can be incredibly helpful for food pantries, especially during high-demand periods.

• Fresh Produce: Some food pantries accept fresh produce, but it's best to confirm this beforehand. If accepted, donate items in good condition and avoid perishables that may spoil quickly.

• Organize a Food Drive: Consider organizing a food drive in your community or workplace to collect donations collectively.