11+ Creative Food Pantry Donation Ideas If You’re Low on Cash

Summary

This is a list of ideas of what to donate to food banks for those in need.

Food insecurity is a very real thing for many people right now, including most who never imagined being in this kind of need. It’s especially difficult when lots of us are struggling with high prices, but wanting to help, too. If you’re looking for food pantry donation ideas to support others that equally don’t overwhelm your own financial situation, this list is for you.

Food Pantry Donation Ideas

Special thanks to the Mission Community Food Pantry
for their wonderful tips
and for caring for their community with love.

If you’re in the Kansas City area,
please check them out!

When I was a kid, $100 at the grocery store could buy a TON of food. Today, I could probably get, like, four bananas, three cans of beans, and a bag of chips for that. Maybe a pie from the bakery if I’m feeling fancy. Kind of not exaggerating!

“Back in MY day,
milk didn’t cost
much more than a dollar!”

Aunt Kat (your Aunt Kat here has lots of things to say about her day.)

Groceries are super expensive these days and, for some, completely unaffordable. Local food pantries are amazing resources to help but, with more and more people out of work or without benefits, these pantries need more help, too.

Recently, I called a local food pantry and talked to their very nice director about food pantry donation ideas that many of us can do…even if we don’t have a lot of cash. She gave me some wonderful advice!

Want to help in your own way? This post is all about creative food pantry donation ideas.

Did You Know…

Organizations typically receive the majority of their donations from individuals versus big companies and celebrities. Now, while the mega rich do give large chunks of money to various places (thank you, mega rich), the money that normal wage-earners give is much harder on their wallets. Like the ratios and stuff! I dunno…you’ll have to do the math ’cause I can’t! (Disclaimer: Kat Math is not real math.)

Because you’re here, you’re probably a normal person, too, probably with your own limited resources, just wanting to help however you can. And you are loved for that!

And while many of us would like to give as much as possible, the bills and expenses keep coming. Plus, the fear of losing our own jobs can hold us back.

SOOOOO...not saying that some of you billionaires should step up more…I’m saying you billionaires should step up A LOT more.

⁴¹ Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. ⁴² But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.

⁴³ Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. ⁴⁴ They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

Mark 12:41-44 New International Version

Basically, it’s the everyday folks who are the heavy lifters. We feel it deeply, from the money we spend (and truly want to spend!) to support others, to the emotional space we put ourselves in…knowing this could happen to any of us.

This is why I always say those with the KINDEST hearts should be the richest. (But why would anyone ever listen to this very awesome advice?!!)😩

Not Sure If You Should Step Up More? Take this Brief Quiz:

• A. Do you own a yacht?
• B. Have you bought a private island in the last six months?
• C. Does your dog have a trust fund? (Not judging. I’d do this for my dog, too!)
• D. Is your 17,000 square foot beachfront property starting to feel a little cramped?

If you answered YES to any or all of these questions, it probably wouldn’t be a bad thing if you stepped up a little more. Just sayin’!

Food Donation Ideas

1. Spices

Only have limited funds this month to give? Why not pick up some popular spices at the store and drop off at the food pantry?

Spices are in-demand at food pantries because most people typically don’t think of spices when out shopping. But last I checked, most people don’t want to eat something that tastes like cardboard either!

Here are a few spices to consider:

• Salt
• Pepper
• General seasoning like Mrs. Dash (My parents LOVE Mrs. Dash!)
• Oregano
• Rosemary
• Basil
• Mint
• Lemon Zest
• Cilantro
• Garlic salt
• Celery salt
• Paprika

And some baking items:

• Sugar
• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Vanilla
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Olive oil
• Eggs (Remember to bring perishable items like these right before the distribution days.)

2. Herbs & Veggies From Your Garden

Gardeners, now’s the time to show off our skills! If you have a surplus of tomatoes and other veggies, grab some good ones and drop off the day before distribution day.

Also, herbs! Pot some of your herb plants to drop off for other gardeners or cooks visiting the pantry. This can give them a start on tending to their own herbs into the next growing season.

Mojito mint and lemon balm are super easy and come back every year in my yard.

3. One Full Meal vs. Part of a Meal

Instead of being super random, think of food donation as complete meals. If you’re going to buy peanut butter and jelly, add a loaf of packaged bread to complete the sandwich! Try one or two full meals versus an eclectic assortment.

Complete Meals To Consider:

• Pasta, pasta sauce, and bread
• Macaroni and cheese mix, butter, and milk
• Box of spinach, tomatoes, baby carrots, croutons, and salad dressing
• Pancake mix, eggs, and milk
• Cookie mix, eggs, and milk
• Can of tuna, bread, tomato, jar of pickles, and mayonnaise
• Cereal and milk
• Coffee, sugar, and creamer
• Hot dogs, buns, ketchup, and mustard
• Can of soup, crackers, and shredded cheese
• Nacho chips, salsa, can of beans, can of diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, shredded cheese, chives, and sour cream
• Bagels and a cream cheese schmear or spread (There’s a delicious vegan spread called Miyoko’s I love.)
• Rice, stir fry veggies, and teriyaki sauce

4. Condiments & Other Tasty Accoutrements

Condiments are items we don’t always think of when donating to food pantries but, again, we all love tasty food!

• Ketchup
• Mayonnaise
• Mustard
• Relish
• Salad dressing
• Olives
• Capers
• Garlic in a jar (I know about this because my dad loves garlic in a jar.)
• Salsa
• Nuts
• Trail mix

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5. Kitchen Utensils

Canned food with the tab openings are much more convenient but, if you bring cans without those tabs, consider dropping off a can opener, too.

The food pantry I talked to has a free table with items that people can pick up, along with their groceries. Check with your local pantry and see if that’s something they do, too!

Kitchen Items To Donate

• Can openers
• Bottle openers
• Stirring spoons, ladles, spoon rests
• Silverware
• Jar grips (Lots of businesses give these out for free, so check your drawers for extras!)
• Cookbooks
• Pots & pans
• Chip clips
• Measuring spoons & cups
• Whisks
• Oven mitts
• Apple slicers
• Sandwich bags or reusable containers (These silicone, reusable, and dishwasher-safe bags are becoming really popular.)
• Reusable lunch bags
• Small kitchen appliances

6. Stuff You Bought in Bulk

Have you ever gone totally bananas at Costco and bought WAY too much of one thing? This is your chance to donate those things!

• Hygiene items (toothpaste, floss, moisturizer, women’s products, personal razors, soap, body wash, shampoo, lotion, deodorant, etc.)
• Cleaning supplies
• Paper goods, like napkins, paper towels, tissue, and toilet paper
• Dishwasher pods
• Laundry detergent (I love these laundry sheets and I’ve heard these tabs are also people’s faves and a bit more eco-friendly because they contain zero plastic.)

7. Pet Food & Treats

Another very heart-wrenching reality of food insecurity is that pets are affected, too. Some pets end up in shelters if their family can no longer afford to feed them and care for their needs. This is so tough to think about.

Consider a donation of dog food, cat food, or treats when dropping off food.

Also, it’s not a bad idea to think of foods both humans and animals can eat. Here’s a list from the American Kennel Club of foods dogs CAN and CAN’T eat.

My dog, Cosette, would now like to share her recommendations. She says, “I love carrots, green beans, blueberries, lettuce, and apple slices!” Cosette is a foodie, so she knows her stuff.

8. Seed Packets

Seed packets are very inexpensive, but can be so great for those wanting to grow their own food!

The next time you’re at the hardware store or plant nursery, pick up some of these to donate.

9. Drinks

Yes, most of us should drink more water. But frou frou drinks are fun, too!

• Almond milk or oat milk: There are plenty of milk products that don’t need to be refrigerated before opening, like this brand I love.
• Protein shakes: I love these vegan, plant-based protein shakes!
• V8 juice in cans: I’m guessing these can last longer instead of a big plastic bottle once opened. Plus, cans are more eco-friendly.
• Flavored waters: Lately, I’ve gotten into this brand!
• Chai Tea Latte mix (This here is some good stuff!)

10. Snacks

There will never be a day that I don’t defend snacks as feasible meals! I’m a true forager (I only forage in my kitchen, though) and pretty much have never learned to make an actual meal. (Or maybe learned I never WANT to make an actual meal.)

• Box of granola bars, fruit bars, or protein bars
• Healthy crackers or chips
• Veggie or fruit tray
• Popcorn
• Pretzels
• Yogurt
• Pudding cups
• Applesauce

11. Fruits & Veggies From the Farmer’s Market

If you live near a farmer’s market, this is a SUPER thrifty way to get quality fruits and vegetables for a whole lot LESS.

Grab your reusable shopping totes and check out the wonderful deals from local growers and sellers. Prices at these markets can be a third of the cost of regular produce aisles. Maybe even more. You can get a lot for your money!

My husband shops the farmer’s market for his old-fashioned dairy bar. For example, at the market, he can get four limes for one dollar. At the grocery store, it’s about 80 cents for one lime. That’s amazing to me! (But I’m easily amazed.)

12. Baby Food & Baby Supplies

For the moms out there who know their baby food brands, consider donating some of that yummy stuff to the food pantry.

Baby Food & Supplies: What did I miss? (The Last Time I Watched a baby was, like, 1993.)

• Formula
• Baby food jars
• Diapers
• Baby soap and shampoo
• Goldfish crackers

Check out Harvesters Community Food Network
as a resource for donating to food banks.

Local food networks can stretch their dollar
more than the average person
since they buy in bulk
and get better prices on goods
versus an individual shopper.

Conclusion: Food Pantry Donation Ideas

Thank you so much for considering donating to your local food pantry. You are a peach! The sweetest peach, too!

And if you can’t get out or just absolutely dread going to the grocery store like I do, giving a monetary donation is always welcome as well.

Again, I’m so thankful for your generous heart. I hope your life is blessed with goodness every day!

Important Things to Remember

• All food donations need to have the nutrition labels printed on the packaging.
• Think about food donations in terms of complete meals.
• Bring fresh, perishable items like fruits, veggies, herbs, meat, and bread the day before your pantry’s distribution day.
• Check expiration dates. Do YOU want beans from 1963?

Food Pantry Donation Ideas: Helpful Tips

• Think about what you’d like to eat if you were picking up food for yourself and/or your family.
• Consider easy things to make, especially if kids or teens might be helping with meals.
• Tuck in a favorite family recipe with your items.
• Give items that both humans and pets can eat. For example, my dog loves carrot sticks, green beans, and blueberries! This is something people can possibly share to help feed their pets, especially if they don’t have treats for them.
• Pretend you’re giving this food to a family member or good friend. That’ll help you to pick out just the right items to donate.
• Say an encouraging word of thanks to the folks volunteering at the pantry. It’s endless, hard work and I bet they’d love to hear your kind thoughts!

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