How to help by Brendon Pack
Food banks and shelters across the United States provide crucial support to millions of Americans facing food insecurity and homelessness.
We’ve spoken in the past about how to volunteer at a food bank and other ways you can contribute to the cause of helping those in need.
While all donations are appreciated, some items are consistently in higher demand than others.
This guide will help you make the most impact with your charitable giving.
Most Needed Food Items
Protein-Rich Foods
- Canned tuna, chicken, and salmon
- Peanut butter and other nut butters
- Beans (dried or canned)
- Shelf-stable milk
- Canned beef stew and chili
Staple Foods
- Rice (brown or white)
- Pasta and pasta sauce
- Cereal and oatmeal
- Crackers
- Cooking oils
Nutritious Options
- Low-sodium canned vegetables
- Canned fruit in juice (not syrup)
- 100% fruit juice
- Baby formula
- Baby food
Essential Non-Food Items
Personal Care
- Soap and shower gel
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Feminine hygiene products
- Diapers and baby wipes
Household Items
- Laundry detergent
- Paper towels
- Toilet paper
- Cleaning supplies
- Trash bags
Seasonal Needs
Winter
- New warm socks
- Blankets
- Warm coats
- Gloves and scarves
- Hand warmers
Back-to-School
- Backpacks
- School supplies
- Children’s clothing
- New underwear
- New shoes
Tips for Effective Donating
- Check Expiration Dates
- Donate items at least 6 months before expiration
- Avoid dented or damaged cans
- Never donate expired food
- Focus on Nutritional Value
- Choose low-sodium options when possible
- Look for whole grain products
- Select items with high protein content
- Consider Practicality
- Donate easy-to-open containers
- Choose items that don’t require special storage
- Think about items that can be prepared without a kitchen
- Contact Local Organizations
- Call ahead to verify current needs
- Ask about storage capacity
- Inquire about donation hours and procedures
What to Avoid Donating
- Glass containers (risk of breakage)
- Homemade foods
- Opened or partially used items
- Perishable foods
- Items requiring refrigeration
- Junk food or candy
- Alcoholic beverages
Making the Most Impact
Monetary Donations
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- Food banks can often purchase food at wholesale prices
- Every $1 donated can provide up to 4 meals through food bank networks
- Allows organizations to buy exactly what they need.
Regular Donations
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- Consider setting up monthly donations
- Organize food drives during high-need periods
- Coordinate with local organizations for ongoing support
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Volunteer Time
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- Many organizations need help sorting donations
- Assist with distribution
- Help with administrative tasks
We’ve discussed skill-based volunteering in the past, so be aware of how to use your talents to help the homeless.
Additional Considerations
- Cultural Sensitivity: Consider donating foods that reflect the dietary preferences and restrictions of diverse communities
- Special Diets: Include items suitable for people with diabetes, gluten intolerance, or other dietary restrictions
- Emergency Preparedness: Donate items that are useful during natural disasters or other emergencies
Remember that needs can vary by region and season. The best way to ensure your donations make the maximum impact is to maintain contact with local organizations and respond to their specific requests and requirements.
How Can I Find Shelters and Donation Centers in My Area?
Online Directories and Databases
- 211.org – Dial 211 or visit their website for local resources
- Feeding America’s Food Bank Locator (feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank)
- Salvation Army’s donation page
Local Government Resources
- Your city/county website’s community services section
- Local Department of Human Services
- County social services offices
- Municipal housing departments
Community Organizations
- United Way chapters
- Local religious organizations and churches
- Community centers
- Public libraries (librarians often maintain lists of local resources)
Online Search Tools
- Google Maps (search “food banks near me” or “homeless shelters near me”)
- Charity Navigator
- GuideStar
Direct Contact Methods
- Local school districts (they often work with food banks)
- Hospitals’ social services departments
- Local volunteer centers
Pro Tips
- Call ahead to verify operating hours and current needs
- Ask about their donation policies and procedures
- Inquire if they offer pickup services for large donations
- Check if they need volunteers as well as donations
How Can I Spread the Word About Helping Homeless Shelters With Donations?
Here are effective ways to raise awareness and encourage donations for homeless shelters:
Social Media Campaigns
- Create shareable infographics about needed items
- Start a Facebook fundraiser
- Share stories and updates from local shelters
- Use relevant hashtags like #HomelessAwareness or #EndHunger
- Make TikTok or Instagram Reels showing donation drives
Community Outreach
- Partner with local businesses for donation bins
- Set up collection points at:
- Schools
- Places of worship
- Community centers
- Local businesses
- Office buildings
- Present at community meetings
- Contact local media for coverage
Organize Events
- Host donation drives
- Arrange “stuff the truck” events
- Organize awareness walks
- Plan fundraising dinners
- Set up information booths at local events
Workplace Initiatives
- Start a company donation program
- Organize workplace volunteer days
- Set up matching gift programs
- Create interdepartmental donation challenges
- Include information in company newsletters
Educational Outreach
- Give presentations at schools
- Share statistics about local homelessness
- Create informative newsletters
- Develop educational materials for different age groups
- Partner with youth organizations
Digital Communication
- Start an email newsletter
- Create a website or blog
- Use neighborhood apps like NextDoor
- Develop a QR code linking to donation information
- Start a text message campaign
Collaboration Opportunities
- Partner with other local nonprofits
- Work with religious organizations
- Connect with school clubs
- Join forces with sports teams
- Engage with scout troops
Homeless relief is an ongoing issue that we, as a country, should be dealing with together. There are no quick solutions, but I hope that some of the ideas listed in this blog have inspired you to help in whatever way you can to donate your time, money or supplies to the factions that need it most.
It’s this sharing of energy that helps brings us together.
