- Avoid donating expired, damaged, perishable or opened food—pantries can’t safely distribute them.
- Skip non-food items, supplements and sugary drinks; opt for shelf-stable, nutrient-rich foods instead.
- Always check with your local food bank for specific needs to make the most helpful donation bag.
The holiday season is here (can you believe it?) and with it comes the season of giving. Ahead of Thanksgiving, you may be looking to clear your pantry to donate to your local food bank or donation drive. And that is a smart and thoughtful idea! However, there are some things that you should avoid donating because they cannot be distributed and will likely be discarded. Help your town’s volunteers and cut down on food waste by knowing what you can and can’t donate!
Check your donation bag or pile for these six categories before sending them off to your food pantry. We also compiled a list of the most useful things to donate to a food bank if you’re looking to curate the best donation bag possible.
Damaged or Opened Food
You may think that a small dent in a can isn’t an issue, but think again. Food banks and pantries will discard food with damaged or opened packaging. This includes dented cans, dry goods with broken seals, packaging with holes with them, water-damaged products and more. Because of this, it’s best to avoid donating foods or acceptable drinks in glass containers as they could easily crack or shatter in transport or distribution. Inspect the cans and packaging in your donation pile, and when in doubt, it’s best to keep it at home or dispose of it.
Expired Food
It feels so obvious, but it’s often forgotten, and I know it firsthand. When I was a teen, I would volunteer at my school’s food pantry during the holiday season. The amount of expired food we would have to sift through—some of which with dates over 10 years (!!!) expired—was mind-boggling. Please, check the expiration dates of everything you’re donating and if it’s past expired, throw it away.
Perishable Goods
When we say “perishable goods,” we don’t just mean fresh fruits and vegetables. This also includes dairy products, meat, bread and any refrigerated or frozen items. They may not be stored properly which can cause a food safety hazard, and these foods spoil much quicker, so food pantries will not accept them. Fortunately, there are some easy, nutritious alternatives you can donate. Canned goods, like canned fruits and vegetables, tinned fish and evaporated milk are great options to give to your local pantry.
Some Drinks
There are some drinks that your food pantry cannot distribute. Many pantries do not accept high-added-sugar items like sodas and some energy drinks. Avoid donating refrigerated or perishable drinks like milk, smoothies or certain juices. And never donate alcoholic beverages or any homemade drinks.
On the flip side, there are drinks that you can donate and are always in need. Bottled water, sealed ground coffee, tea bags, shelf-stable plant-based milk, powdered milk, shelf-stable 100% fruit or vegetable juice, electrolyte drinks and drink mixes are encouraged.
Supplements
You may have never opened that bottle of gummy multivitamins, but it’s not worth adding it to your donations. Vitamins, supplements and medications are not usually distributed to families in need—and in my personal experience, this is due to lack of seal or regulation. This may vary by pantry or bank, so check in with your local volunteers. Or instead, focus on donating nutrient-dense foods that highlight vitamins and minerals like trail mix, tuna pouches and dried fruit.
Non-Food Items
There are places to donate clothes, home goods and pet foods, but unless your pantry or food bank says otherwise, do not donate anything other than nonperishable, acceptable food and drink items. Locate a local shelter or community drive to donate to instead (your town’s Facebook page, newspaper or community center should have more information on where to give back)—they will be able to distribute your non-edible donations best!
The Bottom Line
Donate nonperishable goods that you would like to receive. Dispose of damaged and expired items, and leave perishable foods at home. To take it a step further, contact your local food bank or pantry and ask what they need most this season to curate to your community’s needs. And if you have questions on what’s acceptable to donate, they will be able to assist you.
