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As Thanksgiving approaches, food banks nationwide are preparing to provide meals for countless families in need. They urgently require your support. While many may not have the time to volunteer at a food pantry during this hectic season, we can all contribute in a meaningful way by purchasing groceries. Imagine the joy of families enjoying a hearty Thanksgiving dinner if each of us picked up a few items during our shopping trips. According to Move for Hunger, nearly 13 million children in the U.S. face food insecurity, making your contributions crucial not just at Thanksgiving but throughout the year.
Food banks typically organize non-perishable food drives during the holiday season, creating bags or boxes filled with traditional Thanksgiving staples to distribute to families. The next time you head to the store, consider bringing along this handy list and picking up as many of the following items as you can. You can then drop them off at your local food bank.
Thanksgiving Food Drive Donation List
Basics:
- Boxed stuffing mix (like Stovetop)
- Instant mashed potatoes (boxes or packets)
- Jars of turkey gravy or dried gravy mix packets
- Dry macaroni
- Canned yams (ensure canned goods have pop-top lids or bring a can opener)
- Canned cranberry sauce
- Canned vegetables (green beans, corn, peas)
- Cornbread mix
- Canned pumpkin or fruit pie filling
- Pie crust mix
- Salt and pepper
Extras:
- Ingredients for green bean casserole — cream of mushroom soup, canned green beans, french fried onions
- Cake mix or brownie mix with a can of frosting
- Flour
- Vegetable oil
- Powdered drink mixes
- Can of instant coffee (some families may not afford coffee makers)
- Box of tea bags
- Can of dried coffee creamer
- Bag of sugar
- Rice
- Bags of dried beans
- Jar of peanut butter
- Jar of jam
- Sandwich bread
- Jar of mayo
- Boxes of Jell-O or pudding mix
- Box of cereal
- Boxed milk
- Box of crackers with a can of spray cheese
- Box of graham crackers
Non-Food Items:
- Foil baking pans
- Paper plates
- Napkins
- Plastic utensils
- Paper towels
- Dishwashing detergent
- Feminine hygiene products
How to Donate to a Food Bank
If you’re unsure where to donate, local churches and schools often hold food drives during this time. Feeding America provides a search tool to locate community food banks within their network, which delivers over 4.3 billion meals annually. A simple Google search using phrases like “local food banks” or “community kitchen for families in need” can also lead you to nearby programs this holiday season.
Making the Most of Your Food Drive Donations
When shopping for donations, aim to maximize your contributions. Here are some tips:
- Use coupons.
- Capitalize on “Buy One Get One Free” sales.
- Opt for store-brand items.
- Check dollar stores for deals on non-perishable foods and supplies — families in need aren’t particular about brands.
- Find thrift stores that accept competitors’ coupons and sales.
- Look for discontinued products and dented cans, often sold at discounts.
- Talk to store managers about your cause; you might receive unexpected donations!
Keep in mind that hunger exists year-round, not just during the holidays. Try to donate whenever possible throughout the year. Remember, you don’t need to buy every item on the list; every little bit helps.
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