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What Food Banks Need Most (And What They Get Too Much Of)

Our law firm at Kraft & Associates is doing a food drive in conjunction with the North Texas Food Bank, so an article at Foodlets.com caught my eye. A section of the article listed items that food banks need most. If you are helping with our food drive, or if you are having a food drive of your own, please read the article. Here is an excerpt:

Storage space is often in short supply at food banks, so prioritization is key.

  1. Canned meats: Think beyond tuna & soup, which food banks get tons of. Instead go for canned beef, canned ham, canned chicken, canned salmon. Or hearty ready-to-go meals like beef stew and chili with meat.
  2. Canned vegetables: Everyone donates green beans. Instead, give potatoes, carrots, spinach, peas or any other veggies your family likes.
  3. Canned fruit: Not pineapple. This is the most commonly donated fruit. Any other fruit, particularly those in fruit juice without extra sugar, would be great. Dried fruit works too (raisins, etc.)
  4. Boxes of rice (bags can tear)
  5. Low-sugar cereal like plain Cheerios or Raisin Bran
  6. Peanut butter
  7. Instant oatmeal, instant grits
  8. Cans of beans
  9. Pasta, pasta sauce
  10. Biscuit mix, or any mix you only add water to
  11. Cans, cartons or boxes of powered and evaporated milk
  12. Snack items for kids to take to school: juice boxes, applesauce containers, granola bars
  13. Diapers in sizes above newborn, plus wipes
  14. Toiletries: toothbrushes, soap, toothpaste, lotion, shampoo & conditioner, Chapstick (consider someone living outside this time of year)
  15. Feminine hygiene products: unscented pads will be most universally used, not tampons
  16. Spices like cinnamon, oregano, basil, salt, pepper
  17. Sliced bread. It’s got a long shelf life but always goes immediately.
  18. Bags of apples or potatoes. Ditto.
  19. Chocolate. It’s not a necessity but just a pick-me-up that I would sure appreciate, especially when it comes time to fill stockings.
  20. Consider donating reusable shopping bags. It takes a lot of humility for people to come to a food bank and since they’ll likely be walking home or taking public transportation, it’s nice to at least blend in.

Bob Kraft

I am a Dallas, Texas lawyer who has had the privilege of helping thousands of clients since 1971 in the areas of Personal Injury law and Social Security Disability.

About This Blog

The title of this blog reflects my attitude toward those government agencies and insurance companies that routinely mistreat injured or disabled people. As a Dallas, Texas lawyer, I've spent more than 45 years trying to help those poor folk, and I have been frustrated daily by the actions of the people on the other side of their claims. (Sorry if I offended you...)

If you find this type of information interesting or helpful, please visit my law firm's main website at KraftLaw.com. You will find many more articles and links. Thank you for your time.

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