More than 42 million Americans—including 16 million children—rely on SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), the country’s largest food assistance program. But starting November 1, a freeze could leave one in eight people without support.
So food banks and pantries across the country are stepping up to fill the gap, and they’re calling on community members to do the same. If you’re able to help, donating to your local food bank or pantry is one of the most direct and impactful things you can do right now.
Every food pantry operates with different guidelines for what types of items they accept, so check respective websites and social media pages or give them a call to get the most up-to-date information. For example, some pantries accept expired items while others don’t.
“I know my region’s food banks have a document outlining what foods they will accept past the expiry date, and how far past is acceptable.” wrote Redditor MerelyMisha in a thread titled “What do food banks REALLY need?” “It takes the guesswork out of it for people.”
While the list below isn’t exhaustive, here are items food banks and pantries regularly need.
Proteins
Drop off canned tuna, salmon, chicken, SPAM, ham, and other shelf-stable meats and fish and vegetarian sources of protein such as canned or dried beans (think: black, pinto, kidney beans, chickpeas, etc.) and peanut butter.
Grains
Pick up white and brown rices, whole wheat pastas (any shape!), quinoa, and barley. Bulk oatmeal (avoid flavored packets, if possible) and low-sugar whole-grain cereals are also great items to donate.
Canned Goods
Buy canned vegetables without added salt; canned fruit packed in juice or water; soups, stews, and chili; canned diced and stewed tomatoes; and low-sodium broths. Some pantries note that pull-tab containers are helpful.
Cooking Staples
Look for cooking oils (olive, vegetable, and canola), pasta sauces, salsas, and jams and jellies, and baking staples such as flour, sugar, and baking powder and soda.
Shelf-Stable Milks
Peruse the organic section of your grocery store for soy, almond, rice milk that doesn’t need to be refrigerated.
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Snacks
Drop off granola bars, dried fruit, nuts, crackers, puréed fruit and veggie pouches, and other healthy snacks.
Boxed Meals
Prioritize shelf-stable basics like pasta, rice, and soup kits, especially options that are lower in sodium and higher in fiber and protein.
Spices
Collect dried herbs such as basil, oregano, and bay leaves and spices like black pepper, cumin, garlic powder, and cinnamon.
Culturally Relevant Items
Every community has different needs, so it’s important to consider who your local food pantries serve. For example, Denver-based Kaizen Food Share primarily supports food-insecure families of Latin American and Asian descent, so they welcome culturally relevant donations like masa, lard, dried chiles, soy sauce, and fermented shrimp paste.
Food isn’t just fuel—it’s a reflection of culture and identity. Donating items that align with a community’s culinary traditions helps ensure everyone feels respected and nourished. When in doubt, call ahead to ask which culturally significant staples are in highest demand.