Top Ten Items You Can Donate to Food Shelves This Holiday Season

We all know this time of year is hard on the bank account, but what about those families who are struggling to even put food on the table? There are plenty of families who aren't planning a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. So, what sort of items can you donate to the local food pantries/food banks that can make a difference this year?

Peanut Butter. This keeps for some time, and is a good source of protein for children and adults alike. It doesn't have to be a name brand, pick up a generic brand. One jar can make the difference for a family for a week, or a child for several weeks.

Baked Beans, or Pork and Beans. Again these are a good source of Protein and fiber. You can pick up a can of generic for under a dollar. Sometimes two for a dollar. One can is a meal for an adult, or for two children with a couple of slices or bread. Two cans can feed, with bread, a family of four for a meal. Not a huge meal but it's still a meal.

Jello packets. If you're looking for something cheap, cheerful and sweet to help pick up a family over the holiday season try Jello mixes. Not the all ready made up stuff, but the packets. You can grab 2 of those for a dollar, sometimes three. Is it ideal? No, but it's one of those treats that can bring a little joy to a family when others might be tucking into rich dinners and plenty of candy.

Packet Instant Mashed Potato. It's not as good as making it from scratch, but it will keep and is a way of providing a side dish. A lot of stores carry small packets for as little as 39 cents. It's not going to break your wallet, but it will give one family a good dinner portion.

Tinned Fruit. Fresh is better, but it won't keep for the food shelves. Add one extra can of pears or peaches to your shopping cart and drop it off. We all know how important it is to eat fruit and vegetables, and you might be surprised just how much of a treat a can of pears can be to a family watching the pennies. Pineapple, pears, peaches, these are all easy to pick up tinned and if you can, try picking them up in fruit juice or the light syrup.

Tuna Fish. Keep an eye out. Tuna is one of those staples that is often on offer in the generic or lesser known brands. Two for a dollar in some cases. Again, it's a protein source that will keep for some time.

Soup. It's quick. Warming. It doesn't have to be named brands and in most cases condensed soup can be made up with either water or milk. Look for the soups with noodles, or vegetables in. It's extra bulk. But don't pass up the simple things like tomato soup either or cream of mushroom, or chicken.

Dried Pasta. Spaghetti, egg noodles, bow tie pasta. It's easy to cook and fills a hole. Mixed with a can of cream of mushroom soup it's a basic meal. It's nothing fancy but a packet of pasta isn't expensive.

Rice. Again a very simple staple and it does keep for some time. Brown is better taste wise and bulk. It's also a healthier choice.

Breakfast Cereal. Keep an eye out in the cereal section of the store. Anything from basic quick cook oatmeal through to cornflakes and mini shredded wheat, look for store brands because the people picking up the food packs aren't likely to care about what fancy brand is on the packet. If you can, stay away from the high sugar, highly colored cereal.

These are just some of the basics you can add to your shopping cart this time of year. Whatever you pick up make sure it's going to keep for a good couple of months. Adding the occasional treat such as muffin mixes, drink mixes, crackers and seasonal items is great if you have the extra funds, but cover the basics first. Just one extra can of soup, or packet of pasta, can make a huge difference to a family in need. Not just this time of year, but throughout the year. One can. Start the habit and see how long you can keep it up.