Meal kits with recipes that don’t require extra ingredients

Kits that include canned meat, canned sauce and pasta all in one box are great choices.

Pancake and muffin mix that only require water.

Canned soups and pasta meals. Soups or even canned ravioli or pasta meals that don’t require anything other than a heat source to eat are excellent for those who have limited resources, including sometimes not a very well equipped kitchen. There are many places recipients of these donations may be able to heat up these types of meals, and many kids love them and it can provide a filling warm meal.

Canned meat. Tuna, chicken, salmon, Spam or similar types of meat are excellent choices for donation.

Variety of canned fruits. Fruit cocktail, pineapple, peaches, pears and even cherries or tropical fruit blends would be welcomed.

Allergy friendly food options. There are many people in need who have food allergies. Donating items that are gluten free, nut free, dairy free and overall allergy friendly is always beneficial for those those with specific food needs.

Basic staple pantry items. Flour, sugar, cornmeal, rice, dry beans, oil, shortening, baking soda and powder, vanilla extract and seasonings of all kinds are always welcomed. Garlic, pepper, salt, chili powder, etc. can make a meal much more palatable.

Shelf stable milk. Milk is hard to keep cold, but individual serving sizes of shelf stable milk are a great choice to donate. These are especially nice for families with kids who can’t always afford the milk their kids need. Shelf-stable milk is just milk that has been pasteurized and packaged a little differently than refrigerated milk in order to extend its shelf life. Also known as boxed milk found at your grocery store on the shelf and not needed to be refrigerated.

Juice boxes. 100% pure juice is always needed at food pantries. This is often given to families of young children, and grabbing individual juice boxes makes it shelf stable and easier to portion.

Household cleaning supplies and paper products. Toilet paper, paper towels, bleach, sanitizing solutions, sanitizing wipes and basic cleaning supplies.

Feminine hygiene products. Maxi pads, tampons, panty liners and even feminine wipes are all items that food pantries do hand out alongside the meals. The homeless and needy in our communities need these items desperately.

Baby diapers and wipes. All sizes of baby diapers and wipes (unscented is best) can be useful for those families coming in with infants and toddlers. Additionally, things like baby wash, shampoo and diaper rash cream or new unused bottles, nipples and even formula that is in date are often welcomed.

New Socks and underwear. Socks are vital to those who are homeless and out on the streets, but clean underwear is another choice that people often overlook. From kid to adults in all sizes, this is a great choice for donating. Most locations will tell you tube socks, boxer shorts for men and traditional brief style panties for women are the most versatile.