What Kind of Food Is Best to Donate to a Food Bank?

December 23, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Feeding America, in 2023, nearly 44 million people faced food insecurity. For those wishing to help, understanding what kind of food is best to donate can make a significant difference, ensuring your contribution is both needed and nutritious.

Quick Summary

This guide covers the most needed, healthy non-perishable items, explains why specific foods are preferred, and lists which items to avoid for safety and efficiency. It details how to select high-impact food donations that help people build balanced meals.

Key Points

Choose Healthy, Non-Perishable Goods: The best donations are nutritious, shelf-stable items like canned fish, dried beans, and whole grains that don't spoil easily.
Avoid Items That Require Refrigeration: Food banks generally cannot accept perishable items like fresh produce, meat, or dairy due to limited cold storage and safety regulations.
Look for Low-Sodium and Low-Sugar Options: Healthy choices, such as low-sodium canned vegetables and fruit packed in juice, provide better nutritional value.
Inspect All Packaging: Never donate items in dented, bulging, or otherwise damaged cans or packages, as this indicates a potential safety risk.
Remember Everyday Staples: Consider donating cooking oils, spices, flour, and shelf-stable milk, which are essential for making meals from donated ingredients.
Consider the 'Dignity' Factor: Donate items you would eat yourself, ensuring they are not expired, open, or otherwise unfit for consumption.
Prioritize Protein: Canned meats like tuna and chicken, along with peanut butter and dried legumes, are high-protein, in-demand items.

Why Non-Perishable and Nutritious Foods are Crucial

When deciding what kind of food is best to donate, focusing on non-perishable, nutrient-dense items is the top priority for food banks. These items have a long shelf life, do not require refrigeration, and provide essential nutrition to families facing food insecurity. While any donation is appreciated, strategic giving ensures that recipients receive food that supports their health and can be stored safely by food bank staff and clients.

The Importance of Health and Longevity

Health and safety are paramount in food donation. Nutritious foods like canned proteins, whole grains, and healthy cooking oils offer sustained energy and vital nutrients often lacking in other food drives. The extended shelf life of non-perishables reduces waste and logistical challenges for food banks, who often have limited storage and volunteer time. Properly packaged, unopened items with a long expiration date are the most efficient and respectful way to give.

Prioritizing Proteins and Grains

Protein-rich foods are consistently among the most requested items by food banks. They are essential for building and repairing tissues and provide a lasting feeling of fullness. Paired with whole grains, they form the basis of a nutritious and satisfying meal. Think about staples like pasta, rice, and oats that can be easily prepared and combined with other donated items. Selecting low-sodium or no-sugar-added options further enhances the health benefits for recipients.

The Ultimate Food Donation Checklist

To make a high-impact donation, consider a mix of these key categories. This checklist ensures you cover all the bases for a comprehensive and thoughtful contribution.

Canned and Dried Proteins: Canned tuna, salmon, and chicken offer excellent protein in convenient packaging. Dried or canned beans, lentils, and peas are versatile and shelf-stable. Don't forget nut butters like peanut butter, which is a favorite for its high protein and energy content.
Whole Grains: Whole-grain pasta, brown rice, quinoa, and rolled oats are excellent, nutritious choices that are simple to prepare. Shelf-stable cereals, especially those low in sugar, are also highly valued for breakfast.
Canned Fruits and Vegetables: Opt for canned fruits packed in juice instead of heavy syrup and low-sodium or no-salt-added canned vegetables. Canned tomatoes, corn, and green beans are pantry staples that can be used in countless recipes.
Healthy Fats and Cooking Essentials: Shelf-stable cooking oils (like olive or canola oil) and basic spices can transform simple ingredients into flavorful meals. These items, while often overlooked, help recipients create more diverse and enjoyable food.
Specialty and Dietary Needs: Consider donating shelf-stable milk alternatives, baby formula, and allergen-free items to serve a wider range of the community. This thoughtful consideration ensures all recipients, including those with specific dietary needs, can benefit from your donation.
Meals in a Can: Canned soups, stews, and chili are quick, easy, and filling options, especially for those with limited cooking facilities. Choosing low-sodium varieties is recommended.

Comparison: Making the Best Donation Choices

Choosing the best foods to donate can be summarized by weighing a few key factors. This comparison table highlights smart choices versus less effective donations, helping you make the most impactful contribution.


Donation Category	Better Choices	Less Effective Choices	Reasoning
Protein	Canned tuna in water, dried beans, peanut butter	Sugary protein bars, high-sodium canned meats	Provides high-quality protein and nutrients; less processed and healthier.
Grains	Brown rice, whole-grain pasta, rolled oats	White pasta, sugary cereal, instant noodles	Offers higher fiber, more vitamins, and sustained energy; more nutritious and versatile.
Canned Goods	Low-sodium vegetables, fruit in juice, low-sodium soups	High-sodium canned goods, fruit in heavy syrup	Prioritizes health and prevents added sugar/salt intake; healthier for recipients.
Fats	Olive oil, canola oil	Shortening, lard	Provides healthy fats essential for a balanced diet; more nutritious cooking option.
Specialty	Shelf-stable milk alternatives, baby formula	Opened food packages, items in glass jars	Addresses specific dietary needs and is safer for handling and distribution.

Conclusion: Making a Meaningful Contribution

When contemplating what kind of food is best to donate, the most important rule is to think with dignity and practicality. By focusing on non-perishable, nutritious, and easy-to-use items, you maximize the impact of your generosity. Always check with your local food bank for their specific needs, as these can vary by season or community demand. A donation of healthy staples, from canned protein to whole grains, provides not just food, but genuine support and care for those who need it most. For more information and resources on combating food insecurity, visit the Feeding America website: Feeding America.

What Kind of Food Is Best to Donate: Essential Takeaways

Prioritize Non-Perishables: Donate shelf-stable items like canned goods, dried beans, pasta, and nut butters that won't spoil quickly.
Focus on Nutrient-Dense Options: Choose whole grains, canned proteins, and low-sugar/low-sodium items to provide maximum nutritional value.
Check for Expiration Dates: Only donate food that is well before its expiration date to ensure safety and usability.
Avoid Damaged or Opened Packaging: Never donate food in dented cans, torn packages, or open containers due to contamination risks.
Consider Cooking Essentials: Items like cooking oil, flour, and spices are often needed to help families prepare donated ingredients.
Address Special Dietary Needs: Include items for specific dietary requirements like baby formula, shelf-stable milk, or gluten-free options.
Consult Local Food Banks: Before donating, check with your local food bank for their most current needs list, which may change seasonally.

Frequently Asked Questions

While it's hard to pick just one, peanut butter is often cited as one of the best items to donate. It's shelf-stable, high in protein and calories, and widely popular among all age groups.

Generally, individuals should not donate perishable items, as food banks have limited refrigeration and strict safety rules. However, many food banks partner directly with local farms and grocery stores to receive fresh produce, so it's always best to check their specific guidelines.

Donations in glass jars, such as pasta sauce or jam, are generally discouraged. They can break during transport or handling, causing a safety hazard and contaminating other food.

Food banks prefer healthier options because many recipients, including the elderly and those with chronic health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, need to limit their sugar and salt intake. Donating these items helps support a balanced diet for everyone.

No. Due to health and safety regulations, food banks cannot accept homemade meals, baked goods, or any leftovers. They can only distribute commercially prepared and sealed food items.

No. Never donate expired food. Check all "use-by" and "best-by" dates to ensure the food is fresh and safe for consumption. Donating old or expired food is inefficient and could be dangerous for recipients.

Many food banks and community pantries also accept non-food essentials that are not covered by government assistance programs. These include personal hygiene products (soap, deodorant), baby supplies (diapers, formula), and cleaning supplies.