Donating Nonperishable Food Items

Nonperishable foods are “shelf-stable” items that do not spoil or decay. They can withstand months of shelf life. Donated items should be nutritious, non-perishable foods, such as powdered milk, peanut butter, canned meats, tuna, meals in a can (stew, chili, soup), 100% fruit juices and canned foods with pop-top lids. Please, no glass items or perishables.

Please donate kindly from the suggested categories and nonperishable suggestions below to help us provide well-balanced, nutritious foods to those who do not have enough to eat. Canned food is almost always a safe bet when it comes to nonperishable foods, but also keep in mind other types of packaging. Instead of buying canned peaches, for example, consider dried fruit, which is less messy and easy to eat out of the bag.

Please check expiration dates.

Fruits and Vegetables – Canned or dry fruits and vegetables in an array of colors will help ensure consumption of many vitamins and minerals.

• Canned vegetables
• Vegetable and fruit juices
• Canned fruit and fruit cups; dried fruit
• Canned tomatoes (juice and sauce)

Grains – Whole grains provide maximum nutrition value and long-lasting energy.

• Oatmeal
• Whole grain crackers
• Low sugar/high fiber cereals
• All pasta types
• Whole grain rice

Proteins – Lean meats and canned or dry beans provide the necessary fuel for muscles.

• Canned tuna, salmon or chicken
• Bean soups
• Baked beans
• Dried and canned beans and peas.
• Chili Beef stew
• Peanut butter and nuts

SOURCES FOR GOODS

Your local grocery store – You’ll find all manner of great items that are not likely to spoil. Many of them are conveniently packaged as an added bonus. Pudding cups are a favorite among children as well as adults, as are trail mix packages, dried fruits, and canned meats.

Your military surplus store – They have all kinds of nonperishable food items, many of them packaged as meals or “meals ready-to-eat.” These meals usually have a rather long shelf-life, and are actually quite inexpensive when purchased in bulk. Also, they give appreciation of the food-related sacrifices soldiers make.

Your camping or hiking supply store – They offer a great deal in the way of dehydrated foods, which are also non-perishable. Check out this section of your local sporting goods store; you may be surprised.

Your World Wide Web – The Internet is full of great deals on nonperishable foods. If you dislike driving around from grocery store to camping supply store, just jump online.