Food is one of the necessities of life. However, fingers are not equal; not everyone can afford meals. That’s why humanity is so important — it makes the world go round! When you have resources like food to spare and intend to donate them to a food pantry for people who need them more than you do, there are many things to note. But first, what is a food pantry
What is a Food Pantry?
A food pantry, also called a food bank, is used to store emergency food for people that can’t afford it. Food pantries store food ranging from raw ingredients to cooked, ready-made meals.
Who can work in a Food Pantry?
1. Volunteers
All year round, volunteers are being accepted at various food pantry centers around. If you want to volunteer, simply make your way to the closest food pantry in your neighborhood. For instance, if you live in Charlotte, you could type, “food pantry center Charlotte” on Google. You’d be directed to a food pantry in your neighborhood.
2. Professional Chefs
Even the needy deserve to eat good food. Since organizations are supporting some food pantries you’d bet there is enough space on the team for professional or private chefs to douse each food with their magic.
3. Manufacturers
Manufacturers are also needed in food pantries for easy access to produced goods. Their part is to take orders and supply, at discounted rates sometimes, as their way of supporting the community.
4. Security personnel
It’s necessary to have them around for safeguarding the food items and also to ensure that these items go to the people who need them.
What to Donate
This list covers most of what food pantries regularly need. It’s not limited to food; some food banks also accept household and personal items for families or individuals who would need them.
- Canned food
- Cooking essentials: salt, pepper, oil et cetera.
- Household staples: toothbrush, shampoo, deodorants, toilet paper, towels
- Peanut or almond butter
- Beans
- Pasta
- Rice
- Can opener
- Non-perishable proteins:
- Low-sugar cereal (for kids)
- Baby food, diapers (for babies)
- Canned vegetables
What Not to Donate
- Glass jars: For safety reasons, food pantries cannot distribute them; they can break easily.
- Dented canned goods: Inspect canned products carefully for rust or dents before you drop them off at food pantries.
- Spoiled or rotten food is totally unacceptable.
- Leftovers: For safety reasons, some food pantries won’t accept your leftovers.
- Candy: Although they’re delicious, many food banks don’t accept candy; people in need should get more nutritious food.
- Refrigerated items: Before donating items like meat or fish which would require refrigeration to stay fresh, check with the food pantry. They might not have the resources to refrigerate food.
- Fresh dairy: Unless they’re properly packages, some food banks don’t accept items like milk, cheese, or butter.
How to help a food pantry?
Now that we’ve figured out what a food pantry is about and who can serve there, how can you really help?
1. Volunteer
Aside from giving your curriculum vitae a nice boost, volunteering would also give you a solid sense of humanity and purpose. You can reach out to a community center near you to partner as a volunteer for a food pantry; they usually liaise directly with them and need volunteers. Just turn on your phone’s location and search “community outreach center near me.” You’d find one in your neighborhood.
2. Give your food
Raw food items and groceries are welcomed at food pantries. Please, try not to donate leftovers or cooked food, especially if the pantry doesn’t have the ability to store them.
3. Direct the needy to food pantries around them
Asides from being in on the action going on at the pantry, you could be outside directing the needy and homeless to places they could get food to eat. Some don’t have access to mobile phones where the search is easier. Some of them may also be disabled and need help.
4. Give your money
If you can’t give food or your time, but really want to help, donate money instead! It would go into supporting a worthy cause.
