Support your local food pantry and we’ll waive your overdue fines! During the months of November and December, the library will accept any amount of canned or boxed non-perishable food items in place of payment for library overdue fines. (Please note, we cannot accept items in glass containers.) All donations will be given to an area organization that provides food for the hungry. A different organization receives the donations each week. If you wish to participate, please bring your donations to the library circulation desk.
Want to help, but not sure what to donate? Visit foodlets.com for a great post about What food banks need most (and what they get too much of), or check out their list of most-needed items below.
WHAT FOOD BANKS NEED MOST (AND WHAT THEY GET TOO MUCH OF)
- Money: Many food banks and pantries have access to lower cost supplies than you or I do so a cash donation may go further, plus they’re able to get exactly what they need.
- 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.
- Canned vegetables: Everyone donates green beans. Instead, give potatoes, carrots, spinach, peas or any other veggies your family likes.
- 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.)
- Boxed meals THAT REQUIRE ONLY WATER. Hamburger Helper isn’t helpful if you don’t have hamburger.
- Low-sugar cereal like plain Cheerios
- Peanut butter
- Instant oatmeal, instant grits
- Cans of beans
- Pasta, pasta sauce
- Biscuit or baking mixes (again that only require water)
- Cans, cartons or boxes of powered and evaporated milk
- Snack items for kids to take to school: juice boxes, applesauce containers, granola bars
- Diapers in sizes above newborn, plus wipes
- Toiletries: toothbrushes, soap, toothpaste, lotion, shampoo & conditioner, warm socks, Chapstick (consider someone living outside this time of year)
- Feminine hygiene products: unscented pads will be most universally used, not tampons
- Spices like cinnamon, oregano, basil, salt, pepper
- Sliced bread. It’s got a long shelf life but always goes immediately.
- Bags of apples or potatoes. Ditto.
- It’s not a necessity but just a pick-me-up that I would sure appreciate, especially when it comes time to fill stockings.
- Consider donating reusable sturdy shopping bags. Supplies are heavy plus it takes a lot of humility to come to a food bank. Since they’ll likely be walking home or taking public transportation, it’s nice to at least blend in.
Source: http://foodlets.com/2014/11/18/what-food-banks-need-most-and-what-they-get-too-much-of/
