If the dented can at the back of your pantry cupboard doesn't look appetizing to you, chances are it won't appeal to any of the thousands of hungry Hamiltonians who might end up with that can this season.
"We don't need your sardines that are sitting, expired in the back of your cupboard," said Joanne Santucci, executive director of Hamilton Food Share.
So what can you give that people want to eat? Here are some of the top things Santucci and Hamilton-area food banks say they need, combined with some lists from around the internet that point out things donors might not have thought of.
And be sure to tune in Friday at noon; Santucci will join CBC Hamilton for the kick-off to our annual Sounds of the Season food drive.
Money
Food banks don't run themselves — they pay rent, use trucks, buy fridges. Santucci said she encourages people to give in a way that is "relevant to them." The tangible feeling of dropping off food is compelling for many people.
But "if you really want to make your dollar stretch further," she said. "We can get a lot more food procuring it than buying."
Hamilton Food Share has relationships with food companies and producers that allow it to pick up excess food at a discounted or free rate. The organization uses financial donations to pay for the refrigerated truck and industrial freezers that can keep frozen and fresh food chilled, Santucci said.
The Neighbour 2 Neighbour organization on the Mountain asks for financial donations to help supplement some of the packages it gives out to families and young mothers.
Food
- Meat (cans of fish, chicken, beef, jerky)
- Hot cereals like oatmeal
- Pasta -- and tape to it a jar or can of meat sauce
- Meat-based soups and stews -- a complete meal in a can
- Canned fruit and vegetables -- "We never have too much fruit, ever," said Santucci.
- 100 per cent juice boxes
- Shelf-stable milk
- peanut butter, Cheez Whiz
- crackers and tortillas
- granola bars
- oil
- baby food (with two or three months left until expiry)
A Reddit thread asked people who have used food banks to mention things they wished had been more prevalent. Among their top suggestions, beyond the ones above: Spices (to make something tasty out of the sometimes-bland food staples from a food bank) and small luxuries, like a chocolate bar or brownie mix, and coffee and tea.
The Good Shepherd Food Bank lists a few of these staple items in a handout you can print and keep with you at the grocery store.
Non-food items
A blogger who synthesized the Reddit thread into her own list makes a great point about feminine hygiene products.
"Can you imagine being worried about affording these?" she writes. "Pads, tampons, panty liners, etc. Recommended: Buy in bulk at Costco for donating."
Santucci and others mention a few other suggestions:
- diapers
- feminine hygiene products
- toothpaste
- deodorant
- shampoo
- socks
A food bin will be in CBC Hamilton, 118 James St. N. to collect donations for Hamilton Food Share. Telephone, online and on-site food donation will be accepted until Dec. 31, 2014. Every donation counts.
Ready to donate now? Call the Sounds of the Season Hotline at 1-855-768-7222 (1-855-SOTS-CBC) or click here to donate online.
We'll stream Friday's performance and interviews live on our website. You can follow along with us starting at noon on Dec. 5.
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