Donate Money, Not Food, to Your Local Food Bank
If you are thinking of donating to your local food bank, the best way is not to rummage through the pantry looking for unnecessary cans or even go to the grocery store with coupons. What grocery banks and free eateries need most is your cold, cash.
Feeding America notes that they can stretch every dollar donated over 10 meals. Food banks receive donations and discounts from food manufacturers, and they can buy food in bulk from wholesale suppliers. Some organizations may use government subsidies to earn even more.
Community needs also go beyond canned beans and boxed toppings. Food banks can use your money to buy fresh produce, seniors shakes, or baby food — whatever is needed most in the community they serve.
This does not mean that the food cravings are useless, but they have more to do with awareness than with direct help. This month, my kids’ elementary school raised a ton of food donations that their families bought at full price. Some great photos were taken at the food bank, and everyone went home, satisfied. But the next time I want to help the food bank, I’ll just go to the food bank website and click donate.