By PK, We Live Concepts

This is a short post but an important one. As the holidays are approaching, consider giving lunch to people who are in need by donating to food banks. Also, during these economic times, the number of people visiting the food banks is expected to increase.

Here are my top 10 suggestions:

1 – Cash
Give in any amount. Cash is the most versatile since food banks can buy supplies in bulk at much lower prices, and cash makes this possible.

2 -Protein from meat and vegetables
Canned tuna, chicken, also peanut butter, as well as canned or dried beans, peas or lentils. Some of these foods are costly for food banks to provide, but they are essential for a healthy diet.

3 – Canned fruits and juice
Canned fruits or cup fruits, 100% fruit juice, apple ciders. They provide fluids and vitamin C, but the sugar content should be checked.

4 – Cereals
Oats, granola bars, oatmeal. They provide vitamins and fiber.

5 – Rice, Grains
Rice, dry pasta, dry noodles. They have long shelf-life and they also provide complex carbohydrates and fibre.

6 – Soups, Stews
Canned soups and stews. They provide fluids and many contain fibers. Also, many of them are filling.

7 – Packaged seasoning
Instant soup mix, sauce mix, gravy mix. They are versatile and they add flavors.

8 – Canned Vegetables
Canned tomatoes, and other vegetables. Most canned vegetables still retain as much nutrition as the fresh ones.

9 – Dairy with long shelf-life
Evaporated milk, condensed milk, dry milk. They provide protein, vitamins and minerals. Also most dry milk retains as much nutrients and flavor as fresh milk.

10 – Personal Care Items
Shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant. Although they are not foods, food banks sometimes get requests for these items since they are not included in food-stamp programs.

So there you have it. You may also contact your local food banks to inquire if they have any other special items that you can donate.

Happy Giving!