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More than 42 million Americans\u2014including 16 million children\u2014rely on SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), the country\u2019s largest food assistance program. But starting November 1<\/a>, a freeze could leave one in eight people without support.\n<\/p>\n So food banks and pantries across the country are stepping up to fill the gap, and they\u2019re calling on community members to do the same. If you\u2019re 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.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n 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\u2019t.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n \u201cI 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.\u201d wrote Redditor MerelyMisha in a thread titled \u201cWhat do food banks REALLY need<\/a>?\u201d \u201cIt takes the guesswork out of it for people.\u201d\u00a0\n<\/p>\n While the list below isn\u2019t exhaustive, here are items food banks and pantries<\/a> regularly need.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n Proteins<\/strong> Grains<\/strong> Canned Goods<\/strong> Cooking Staples<\/strong> Shelf-Stable Milks<\/strong> Getty Images<\/p>\n <\/span> Snacks<\/strong> Boxed Meals Spices<\/strong> Culturally Relevant Items<\/strong> Food isn\u2019t just fuel\u2014it\u2019s a reflection of culture and identity. Donating items that align with a community\u2019s culinary traditions helps ensure everyone feels respected and nourished. When in doubt, call ahead to ask which culturally significant staples are in highest demand.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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.\n<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Peruse the organic section of your grocery store for soy, almond, rice milk that doesn\u2019t need to be refrigerated.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n
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Drop off granola bars, dried fruit, nuts, crackers, pur\u00e9ed fruit and veggie pouches, and other healthy snacks.\n<\/p>\n
<\/strong>Prioritize shelf-stable basics like pasta, rice, and soup kits, especially options that are lower in sodium and higher in fiber and protein.\n<\/p>\n
Collect dried herbs such as basil, oregano, and bay leaves and spices like black pepper, cumin, garlic powder, and cinnamon.\n<\/p>\n
Every community has different needs, so it\u2019s important to consider who your local food pantries serve. For example, Denver-based Kaizen Food Share<\/a> 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.\n<\/p>\n