This holiday season, we’d like to ask you to resolve to help others by giving the gift of health. Public Health has partnered with the emergency food system to bring healthier foods to food banks, and we need your help!

Donating food to a food bank is a simple and effective way to make a difference in the lives of others, and it’s easy to do. Better yet, make a financial contribution to your local food bank so that they can purchase fresh, nutritious food for their guests; even a small donation can make a huge difference. Donations slow down after the holidays, so you can also help by contributing throughout the year. 

Not sure where to begin? We wrote a poem to help out

What should I donate?

Check with your local food bank to see what their specific needs are, but in the meantime, here is a general list to get you started:

Vegetables

•            Canned vegetables (low sodium)

•            Canned tomato products (low sodium)

•            Canned white or sweet potatoes (in water)

•            Potato flakes (no additives)

•            Canned soups (low sodium)

•            Salsa

Fruits

•            Canned fruit (in water or juice)

•            Applesauce (no sugar added)

•            Dried fruits, raisins

•            100% fruit leather

•            Low-sugar fruit spreads

Grains

•            Rice, brown or white

•            Whole grain pasta or noodles

•            Whole grain or bran cereals (low sugar)

•            Oats or oatmeal (plain)

•            Bulgur or polenta

•            Whole grain crackers (reduced fat)

•            Granola bars

•            Graham or animal crackers

•            Pretzels

Dairy

•            Powdered milk

•            Shelf stable milk or soy milk (in a box)

Poultry/Fish/Beans/Nuts/Proteins

•            Chicken or turkey (canned)

•            Canned tuna or salmon in water

•            Canned beans (low sodium)

•            Dried peas, beans, or lentils

•            Canned stews

•            Unsalted nuts

•            Peanut butter

•            Eggs

•            Fish (sardine, tuna, and mackerel)

•            Tofu

Oils

•            Olive or canola oils

•            Cooking Spray

Not sure what to pick? Here is a list of the most desired items:

• Soup (pop-top), canned meat (pop-top), rice noodles, spices, peanut butter, canned fruit (pop-top), boxed baking mixes, coffee, non-diary salad dressings, broth, condiments (BBQ, mustard, mayonnaise, sugar, rice, soy sauce, brown sugar, oats, tamari sauce, oil, spaghetti, ponzu sauce.

• Check expiration dates. Food banks can’t accept expired items, so check the dates on your donated items.

Donating food to a local food bank can help ensure everyone in your community can access nutritious food during the holiday season. So why not make a difference this year by donating to a food bank and giving peas a chance?

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Note: Originally published in 2017, this blog has been updated with new resources for this year. It’s never a bad thyme to turnip the beet on vegetable puns that help spread health and hap pea ness!