What to Donate to a Food Drive
By: Becky Bracken
Published: May 3, 2011

The tough economy has really put a strain on local food banks. They've never needed donations more. But go ahead and skip the can of bamboo shoots you bought for your "Wok into Y2K" New Year's Eve party. No one wants that.
On Saturday, May 14th, 2011 the National Letter Carrier's Association will hold their 19th Annual "Stamp Out" Hunger National Food Drive. That means, you can leave non-perishable food items by your mailbox and your friendly letter carrier will make sure it's used to stock local food banks. Postcards have been sent out to residents who live in participating neighborhoods, so make sure your letter carrier is actually prepared to schlep canned goods before you go all crazy.
If you happen to live in one of the more than 10,000 cities and towns that can participate in the National Letter Carrier's Association food drive, what to donate? Pass on anything questionable. If it's expired or just plain gross, no one is going to eat it. Throw it away. The best foods to donate to a food drive are non-perishable, nutritious and versatile.
So in the spirit of the NALC's 19th Annual "Stamp Out" Hunger National Food Drive, here are the best foods to donate to food banks.

Canned vegetables and fruits
Spaghetti Sauce
Whole wheat pasta
Canned tuna, salmon or chicken
Canned chili or beef stew
Beans, canned or dry
Peanut butter
100 percent fruit juice
Cereals, hot or cold, low in sugar
Milk, dry or boxed shelf stable

Photo by: g