As I prepare to leave my house this morning to do some shopping for Thanksgiving and the return of my favorite son to the house for the week, I am reminded how fortunate I am to be able TO shop.
During the holidays I become hyper aware of how little so many have thanks to many heart wrenching articles, videos, or blog posts, that remind me just how blessed my family is.
One of my salon friends posted this list on her FB page after she went to the local food bank and found the shelves particularly bare. A week after she posted it, she let me know the shelves were wonderfully stocked.
Need has no timeline. BUT, at this time of year, if you are a coupon clipper, or some of the items are "buy one, get one free," consider putting together a box of some of these items and drop it off at the food bank.
Click HERE for the link for the Westchester Food Banks.
xo
During the holidays I become hyper aware of how little so many have thanks to many heart wrenching articles, videos, or blog posts, that remind me just how blessed my family is.
One of my salon friends posted this list on her FB page after she went to the local food bank and found the shelves particularly bare. A week after she posted it, she let me know the shelves were wonderfully stocked.
Need has no timeline. BUT, at this time of year, if you are a coupon clipper, or some of the items are "buy one, get one free," consider putting together a box of some of these items and drop it off at the food bank.
Click HERE for the link for the Westchester Food Banks.
xo
10 Things Food Banks Need But Won’t Ask For
Some items are in high demand at the food bank and you may not realize it. Because they aren’t essentials, the staff doesn’t publicly ask for them. A survey on Reddit.com asked volunteers what items people would be most appreciative of and we’ve listed the top 10 below. If you’re looking for an easy way to help out, pick some of these up while shopping and drop them off at one of our area food banks.
1. Spices. Think about it. People who rely on the food bank eat a lot of canned food, rice, oatmeal, white bread, etc. They love spices. Seasoned salt, cayenne pepper, chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, oregano, basil and so on.
2. Feminine Products. Can you imagine being worried about affording these? Pads, tampons, panty liners, etc. Recommended: Buy in bulk at Costco for donating.
3. Chocolate. People don’t need it, but think about being in their shoes and how nice it would be to be given a chocolate bar or brownie mix along with your essentials.
4. Toiletries. Grocery stores are great about donating surplus or unsold food, but they have no reason to donate toilet paper, tooth paste, soap, deodorant, shampoo, etc. Food stamps often don’t cover these.
5. Canned meats and jerky. This isn't true of all food banks, but some struggle to give users enough protein.
6. Crackers and tortillas. They don’t spoil and everybody likes them.
7. Baby toiletries. Diapers, baby wipes, baby formula, baby shampoo, baby soap, baby food, bottles, etc.
8. Soup packets. Sometimes you look at rice, beans, instant potatoes, and cans of vegetable and think, “What do I make with this?” Hearty soup is a complete meal.
9. Socks. From a former homeless person: “Socks mean the world to you. They keep you warm, make you feel like you have something new, and just comfort you.”
10. Canned fruit other than pineapple. Food banks get a lot of pineapple donated. Their clients love it when other kinds of fruit are available.
And remember! Food banks love cash donations because it allows them to buy whatever they need!
List taken from: http://bit.ly/tghr20141124
Some items are in high demand at the food bank and you may not realize it. Because they aren’t essentials, the staff doesn’t publicly ask for them. A survey on Reddit.com asked volunteers what items people would be most appreciative of and we’ve listed the top 10 below. If you’re looking for an easy way to help out, pick some of these up while shopping and drop them off at one of our area food banks.
1. Spices. Think about it. People who rely on the food bank eat a lot of canned food, rice, oatmeal, white bread, etc. They love spices. Seasoned salt, cayenne pepper, chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, oregano, basil and so on.
2. Feminine Products. Can you imagine being worried about affording these? Pads, tampons, panty liners, etc. Recommended: Buy in bulk at Costco for donating.
3. Chocolate. People don’t need it, but think about being in their shoes and how nice it would be to be given a chocolate bar or brownie mix along with your essentials.
4. Toiletries. Grocery stores are great about donating surplus or unsold food, but they have no reason to donate toilet paper, tooth paste, soap, deodorant, shampoo, etc. Food stamps often don’t cover these.
5. Canned meats and jerky. This isn't true of all food banks, but some struggle to give users enough protein.
6. Crackers and tortillas. They don’t spoil and everybody likes them.
7. Baby toiletries. Diapers, baby wipes, baby formula, baby shampoo, baby soap, baby food, bottles, etc.
8. Soup packets. Sometimes you look at rice, beans, instant potatoes, and cans of vegetable and think, “What do I make with this?” Hearty soup is a complete meal.
9. Socks. From a former homeless person: “Socks mean the world to you. They keep you warm, make you feel like you have something new, and just comfort you.”
10. Canned fruit other than pineapple. Food banks get a lot of pineapple donated. Their clients love it when other kinds of fruit are available.
And remember! Food banks love cash donations because it allows them to buy whatever they need!
List taken from: http://bit.ly/tghr20141124
