Here’s What Food Banks Actually Need

When we think about supporting our communities, donating to food banks is one of the most immediate ways to help. These organizations provide crucial support to those experiencing food insecurity—but what they need most isn’t always obvious.

While it can be tempting to sweep miscellaneous extras into a donation bag during your next pantry declutter, food banks and pantries benefit most from thoughtful selections: “Food pantries aim to supply communities with nutritious and satisfying staples,” explains Victoria McMonagle, an educator and leader in student–community partnerships and service learning. “With shelf-stability as a high priority, essential donations include high-protein canned meats, soups, non-perishable fruits and vegetables, and whole grain carbohydrates like rice, cereal, pasta, and oatmeal.”

These are the items that can serve as the building blocks of a week’s meals—and don’t feel like someone else’s leftovers. Below, we break down the best items to donate and how to ensure your contributions make a true difference.

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High-Protein Staples

Protein-rich foods are often among the hardest items for food pantries to keep in stock. They’re essential for balanced nutrition, but they also tend to be more expensive for families to purchase regularly.

Consider donating:

• Canned chicken, tuna, and salmon
• Shelf-stable tofu
• Canned beans and lentils (low-sodium options when possible)
• Canned chili, soups, stews, and raviolis
• Shelf-stable meats like Spam
• Nut butters such as peanut or almond butter

These foods are versatile, filling, and easy to store. Many also require little to no cooking, which is especially important for those with limited kitchen access, limited cookware, or inconsistent utilities.

Fruits and Vegetables

“Foods that are high in vitamins and minerals are crucial to one’s health,” McMonagle says. While fresh produce has a short shelf life, canned or jarred fruits and vegetables (ideally packaged in juice rather than syrup) can offer similar nutrients and flavors with a much longer usable shelf life.

Consider donating:

• Canned vegetables
• Jarred or canned fruit
• Applesauce (with no added sugar)
• 100% fruit or vegetable juice

If you garden, check whether your local pantry accepts fresh produce.

When shopping for canned foods to donate, look for cans with pull-tabs to eliminate the need for a can opener.

Healthy Snacks

For school lunches, easy-to-pack snacks simplify mornings and are great for filling little bellies. However, these can often be expensive at the grocery store. Donate healthy, high-protein, and high-fiber options.

Consider donating:

• Low-sugar granola bars
• Nuts
• Whole-grain crackers

Whole Grains

Whole grains provide fiber, energy, and versatility. Plus, they’re shelf-stable, making them indispensable in community food support programs.

Consider donating:

• Brown rice
• Whole-grain pasta
• Rolled oats or oatmeal packets
• Quinoa, farro, barley, or muesli
• Whole grain cereal (ideally low in added sugar)

“Donors can confirm if canned, bagged, or jarred products are nutrient-dense by checking the nutrition labels,” says McMonagle. A quick scan for fiber content and total sugars can help you choose options that are both nourishing and filling.

Pantry Extras for Easier, Yummier Meals

When budgets are tight, certain ingredients often fall off the shopping list—but those same items are the ones that make home-cooked meals feel and taste complete.

Consider donating:

• Cooking oil
• Spices and seasonings
• Shelf-stable stock, broth, or bouillon cubes
• Shelf-stable milk (dairy or plant-based)
• Tea and coffee
• Sugar and honey

These additions help individuals and families create meals that aren’t just sustaining, but comforting and flavorful.

Be sure you’re following your local pantry’s guidelines. Many will list their specific needs and requirements online.

Sauces and Syrups

While boxes of pasta are often donated (see above!), canned sauces needed to finish such dishes are often in shorter supply.

Consider donating:

• Canned and jarred pasta sauces
• Breakfast syrups
• Jellies and jams
• Salad dressings with long shelf lives

Baby Supplies and Personal Care

Food insecurity often overlaps with the inability to afford daily necessities that can provide dignity and autonomy. These items are always in high demand and can be financially out of reach for many households:

• Infant formula (check with your food bank before donating)
• Baby food in pouches or jars
• Diapers and baby wipes
• Menstrual care products
• Toothpaste, shampoo, and soap

While hunger persists year-round, donations often peak during the holiday season. If you can, continue to donate in the spring and summer months when pantry-shelf stock may dip.

The Golden Rule of Donating

“One important aspect to consider is the overall quality of donations,” McMonagle notes. “Food products should be safely stored, in good physical condition, and within all expiration dates before being donated. When in doubt, donate what you would be most excited to eat.”

This is the guiding principle of thoughtful food bank donations. What you give should never feel like an afterthought or a way to clear clutter. Remember—you’re nourishing your neighbors, after all.

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