Ideas of items the Helping Hands food project can use and what to avoid:

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Please donate shelf-stable, non-perishable items such as canned meats and fish (tuna, salmon, chicken), dried or canned beans, peanut butter, rice, canned vegetables and fruit, and cereal. It's best to avoid items that require fresh ingredients, like mac and cheese, and anything that's close to its "sell-by" date. We also accept non-food items such as hygiene products, toilet paper and paper towels, toothbrushes and toothpaste, sturdy paper plates and cleaning supplies. Please see comments about foods to avoid at the end of this list.

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Top Food Donations

• Proteins: Canned tuna, chicken, salmon, and other canned meats, as well as canned or dried beans (black beans, kidney beans, chickpeas). 

• Grains: Brown rice, quick / rolled oats. 

• Produce: Canned fruits (preferably in their own juice or light syrup) and canned vegetables are excellent non-perishable options. 

• Soups & Stews: Hearty soups and stews with low sodium that are easy to prepare.

• Peanut Butter: A highly prized and essential item for kids and adults. 

• Breakfast Items: Cereal and oatmeal are great for providing a healthy start to the day. 

• Baking Staples: Salt, pepper, flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda can help recipients cook from scratch. 

• Condiments & Sauces: Salsa, pasta sauce, honey, maple syrup, cooking oil, and ketchup are useful for enhancing meals. 

• Miscellaneous: Stove Top Stuffing; canned cranberry sauce,  yams, and green beans; coffee;, tea; shelf-stable milk or milk alternatives; specialty foods like olive oil, dressings, or marinades  if they don’t need to be refrigerated; canned tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and diced tomatoes;  canned beans of all types; dried lentils, barley, and beans; instant mashed potatoes, Crisco (shelf stable, many uses); plastic jars of unsweetened applesauce, canned meat (SPAM and ham); crackers; dried fruit; granola bars; nuts; and Velvetta Shells and Cheese (milk is not needed to make)

 

Non-Food Items That Are Always Needed

• Hygiene Products: Feminine hygiene products and other personal care items like toothpaste, disposible razors. 

• Household Items: Napkins, paper plates, paper towels, toilet paper (multi-roll, 2 ply) and other basic household necessities are also greatly appreciated.   

 

What to Avoid and Items Not Needed

• Perishable Items: Fresh fruits, vegetables, and dairy products that spoil quickly should not be donated. 

• Homemade Foods: We cannot accept homemade goods. 

• Opened, Dented or Expired Items: Only donate items that are in their original packaging and have not passed their "sell-by" or expiration dates. 

• Items Requiring Extra Ingredients: Foods that need additional ingredients, such as fresh milk and butter for mac and cheese or ground beef for hamburger helper, are generally not useful. 

• Pasta: We currently have enough pasta and mac and cheese.

• Dried Herbs and Spices: We are currently giving them the herbs and spices needed for our recipes each month.

 

Or you may prefer to make a cash donation or provide a check payable to Hedges Chapel, with “outreach donation” written in the memo area.

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