Please don't forget your local foodbank, homeless shelters, and soup kitchens [View all]

[rhett o rick]

Foodbanks get most of their donations and attention in the months of Nov and Dec and the least in Jan and Feb. I know we have lots to think about and campaigns to support but please don't forget the homeless and those that rely on foodbanks.

You don't have to give a lot to make an impact.

Please don’t throw away canned food if the pull date has passed. Most canned food remains safe after the pull date. Dented cans are not unsafe. Bulging cans are probably unsafe. If you are in doubt, give them to your foodbank and let them decide. They know best.

I buy up canned foods on sale and keep a supply for emergencies. When they get close to the pull date I donate them and replace them on the shelf.

It always feels good to donate food but donating money is more effective. Foodbanks have access to much better buys on foods than the average consumer. Cash also gives the foodbank the flexibility to buy what they need most.

Some foodbanks need clean glass jars with labels removed for repackaging. They often need boxes, paper sacks and plastic bags. Check with your local foodbank and see what they need. You may be throwing away things they can use.

Don’t forget to volunteer. Even a few hours a week will help.

Some people justify not donating by rationalizing that foodbanks pay their staffs too much. The one I am familiar with is large and has four part time employees earning competitive wages. 75% of the work is done by volunteers. If you have doubts, visit your local foodbank, or better yet join the Board of Directors.