Food pantry donation debate: taste or nutrition?

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Our pantry that we contribute do does have special requests--but only because it is atypical of your standard non-perishable due to whom they help.

Oil, rice, and beans are the biggest requests. They do of course except other items--but those are the needs.

While it is great to consider nutrition--they are trying to be able to feed as many possible and if the dollars can't stretch, they would prefer to have more of what might be considered a more inferior product as it feeds more people.

So I try to get the biggest bang for my buck and not worry if it is organic and natural.

There was a food pantry on the news that had to turn away donations from some baked goods company. They didn't have the room and they were short of food for actual meals. I don't recall specifically what the deal was--and the person running the place felt bad...but when someone is hungry, you need something more than donuts or cookies to feed them. Desserts are nice treats though. I just thought it was unusual to turn them away, but it made sense when they were having difficulty with actual meals.

 

[AlwaysMoving]

I will speak from experience. When you are really poor and food is scarce, you won't care what you get. You are more worried about how far those food items can stretch. This is why things like rice and dried beans are common staples. Really cheap and goes a long way. Now that I am an adult, I still won't turn my nose up at those basics even though I can afford better. Just yesterday I made lentils (no meat) and homemade cornbread. So, I don't look at it as a taste vs nutrition thing, but rather how many times a child will go to bed with a full stomach. Something as simple as a bag of flour and some crisco or oil can create quite a bit of bread, which also fills a hungry stomach. Might not be the healthiest, but lack of food is far more dangerous to your health.

 

[mrsklamc]

I work w/ a food pantry.

1)Most folks are also on food stamps and supplement the fresh fruits, meats, etc with those.

2) Toiletries are always in demand because you can't buy them with food stamps. Imagine being a guy trying to get a job and you can't show up clean shaven for an interview.

3) A lot of people choose the non healthy items because they are familiar. There are always people who appreciate the healthier items, too. I think "buy what you would buy for your own family" is a good guideline, but if there's something I would not eat that is cheap or free I go ahead and get it. Someone will appreciate it.

4) As far as not being in a position to be picky, you'd be surprised. We had a guy who thought it was criminal that we had no canned asparagus.

 

[Mkrop]

I buy both kinds, regular, low salt or low fat brands.

My kids school did a drive recently where things were assigned by grade, DS14's grade had canned fruit, so I bought regular kinds and low sugar kinds and sent those in.

 

[NotUrsula]

On the toiletries I don't usually buy, except for shaving cream and toothpaste; I keep all of the hotel toiletries that DH & I collect in our travels, and I give those; homeless folks tend to prefer the small ones, and that way they go to good use. (I also like to think that children get a smile when they can get some Mickey Soap.)

It's really ridiculous that toothpaste cannot be purchased with food stamps; one way or another that is going to cost us when recipients are Medicaid patients.

 

[scrapquitler]

So, at this time of year there are food drives all over the place, and last night I was shopping and added some things to my cart for donating. In doing so, I followed the "wish list" given to me by OFS, and as I was buying these things, I thought about the "healthy food vs. picky eater" thread that is current here. Most of the things that the pantry was requesting were not the sort of thing that the more health-conscious among us would touch with a 10-ft. pole, and it got me thinking about the ethics of the whole situation.

So, when you buy donations for a food drive, do you buy what the drive wants even if you think it is junk food, or do you buy things that you think that the folks who are getting this food should be eating? Do you take special dietary requirements into account when you buy, such as making it a point to contribute lower-salt canned soups instead of the regular ones? Or do you look at it in terms of bang-for-the-buck, in that you have a limited amount you can afford to contribute, and you want to feed as many mouths as you can for that money, even if the food isn't the most nutritious choice? Do you think about giving what the clients are likely to actually enjoy, or are you thinking that food is food and that those who are up against the wall shouldn't want to be choosy?

I guess that in my own case I kind of split the difference. One of the main factors that I take into account is ease of preparation, because the poorest among us are less likely to have fully-equipped kitchens, so open-heat-and-eat is usually my primary selection criteria. Most of the time when I follow the list I'm more of a bang-for-the-buck kind of contributor, but I do try to at least be a little conscious of flavor and ingredients; for instance, if the cheaper store brand is a salt bomb as compared to the name brand, I try to make the better nutritional choice as long as the price difference isn't more than about 30%.

(As a side note, something else that occurred to me was to wonder why we never seem to have kitchen goods drives along with the food drives. If nothing else, shouldn't we be tossing in a few can openers and saucepans among all that canned food?)

I try to always buy items that are on sale, and I try to concentrate on the things that are on the local Food Pantry's "Things we need right now" list. The list varies over time but usually includes protein type items (canned chili, canned chicken/tuna, beef stew and peanut butter) Since those items are usually a little more expensive than the typical spaghetti sauce, mac & cheese, pasta things that usually get donated, I try to always include the protein based things. I also try to add condiments when they are on sale (salad dressing, ketchup, bbq sauce, mayo) because they frequently ask for thsoe items as well. And since I know there are a lot of children served locally, I try to include a cake mix and frosting every now and then (figuring that some Mom will be happy she can provide a birthday cake).

Our local food pantry also needs things like diapers, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap and laundry detergent, so it might be worth keeping those itmes in mind when you consider what to buy.

Finally, I'll add: remember that the food pantry needs donations throughout the year, not just at the holidays. I know someone who works at ours and she says they get tons of stuff now, but in the summer they are always scrapping by trying to find food to give.

 

[Bob NC]

I would either give what was requested, or, find a charity that is requesting what I want to give.

Doubtful, though, that you will find a charity requesting chickpeas and beets.

 

[VAfamily1998]

(As a side note, something else that occurred to me was to wonder why we never seem to have kitchen goods drives along with the food drives. If nothing else, shouldn't we be tossing in a few can openers and saucepans among all that canned food?)

I was thinking that same thing a few days ago! I had thought of calling my local place to donate and asking them if they needed can openers donated.

 

[VAfamily1998]

There was a food pantry on the news that had to turn away donations from some baked goods company. They didn't have the room and they were short of food for actual meals. I don't recall specifically what the deal was--and the person running the place felt bad...but when someone is hungry, you need something more than donuts or cookies to feed them. Desserts are nice treats though. I just thought it was unusual to turn them away, but it made sense when they were having difficulty with actual meals.

I'm in NOVA too, where was this?

If they were short on food for meals, I still don't see why they would turn down the cookies and donuts. If my kids were going to go to bed hungry, I'd rather give them cookies and donuts for dinner than NOTHING.

 

[descovy]

Years ago my young adult group at church did a hunger awareness event. We fasted for one day and had plans to break the fast with dinner at church. We were asked to bring non perishable items as well. No suggestions... We all got to choose what to bring.

We came to find out that night that our non-perishables were not getting donated. We were eating them for dinner !

Starving after a day of fasting we dug into dubius container of canned yams, mushy canned carrots, and the like. And there were several donations that were obviously expired... It was an eye opener for sure!

 

[AndreaDM]

I'm in NOVA too, where was this?

If they were short on food for meals, I still don't see why they would turn down the cookies and donuts. If my kids were going to go to bed hungry, I'd rather give them cookies and donuts for dinner than NOTHING.

The women's shelter I worked at became overrun with bread and pastries (usually day old) from area stores and bakeries. There is only so much of that stuff you can eat before it goes bad, and believe it or not, people get tired of sweets. Yes, we did freeze it but we could only keep so much in the freezer as well. You'd be amazed at the quantity of surplus baked goods.

 

[VAfamily1998]

Years ago my young adult group at church did a hunger awareness event. We fasted for one day and had plans to break the fast with dinner at church. We were asked to bring non perishable items as well. No suggestions... We all got to choose what to bring.

We came to find out that night that our non-perishables were not getting donated. We were eating them for dinner !

Starving after a day of fasting we dug into dubius container of canned yams, mushy canned carrots, and the like. And there were several donations that were obviously expired... It was an eye opener for sure!

Wow. What a great way to get a point across. I like it!

 

[VAfamily1998]

The women's shelter I worked at became overrun with bread and pastries (usually day old) from area stores and bakeries. There is only so much of that stuff you can eat before it goes bad, and believe it or not, people get tired of sweets. Yes, we did freeze it but we could only keep so much in the freezer as well. You'd be amazed at the quantity of surplus baked goods.

When my Dh was stationed (Marine Corps) on the west coast, I helped out with a bread ministry on base for military families. There was always bread but also usually there were Enteman's (sp?) pastries as well. None were expired, usually a few days before the expiration date. I would think there is always some organization that would be willing to take baked goods!

 

[FlightlessDuck]

I've never seen a pantry ask for specifics. Just general food.

We tend to NOT give generic brand, because that's just mean.

We buy what we think would be helpful and/or tasty. Canned veggies, powered potatoes, mac & cheese, peanut butter, etc.

 

[ccgirl]

So, at this time of year there are food drives all over the place, and last night I was shopping and added some things to my cart for donating. In doing so, I followed the "wish list" given to me by OFS, and as I was buying these things, I thought about the "healthy food vs. picky eater" thread that is current here. Most of the things that the pantry was requesting were not the sort of thing that the more health-conscious among us would touch with a 10-ft. pole, and it got me thinking about the ethics of the whole situation.

So, when you buy donations for a food drive, do you buy what the drive wants even if you think it is junk food, or do you buy things that you think that the folks who are getting this food should be eating? Do you take special dietary requirements into account when you buy, such as making it a point to contribute lower-salt canned soups instead of the regular ones? Or do you look at it in terms of bang-for-the-buck, in that you have a limited amount you can afford to contribute, and you want to feed as many mouths as you can for that money, even if the food isn't the most nutritious choice? Do you think about giving what the clients are likely to actually enjoy, or are you thinking that food is food and that those who are up against the wall shouldn't want to be choosy?

I guess that in my own case I kind of split the difference. One of the main factors that I take into account is ease of preparation, because the poorest among us are less likely to have fully-equipped kitchens, so open-heat-and-eat is usually my primary selection criteria. Most of the time when I follow the list I'm more of a bang-for-the-buck kind of contributor, but I do try to at least be a little conscious of flavor and ingredients; for instance, if the cheaper store brand is a salt bomb as compared to the name brand, I try to make the better nutritional choice as long as the price difference isn't more than about 30%.

(As a side note, something else that occurred to me was to wonder why we never seem to have kitchen goods drives along with the food drives. If nothing else, shouldn't we be tossing in a few can openers and saucepans among all that canned food?)

Haven't read all the replies but I volunteer at my local food pantry so want to give my input. My rule of thumb is that if I wouldn't eat it, I don't donate it. You wouldn't believe the amount of expired foods we got and that has a lot to do with people cleaning out their cabinets. If the food is not good enough to eat; what makes you (a general you) think it is good enough for someone else? Also, personal care items like shampoo, and soap are great. As are paper towels and napkins, paper plates etc. A lot of times the food pantries supplement food stamps and those a lot of times don't cover a lot of personal products (as far as I'm aware).

It is also great to donate around May. A ton of people donate around Thanksgiving/Christmas.

 

[AlwaysMoving]

We tend to NOT give generic brand, because that's just mean.

What is mean about it? You are putting food in a stomach that otherwise might not have anything to eat. When my family was poor, I did not care what the package said. My parents never accepted assitance outside of he money they earned, and that meant we did not get name brands. Were my parents mean for feeding the family generic stuff?

 

[Pixie Dust for Me!]

We usually give things that are high in protein and easy to fix. When I give canned fruit, I try to give the things that are packed in juice rather than syrup.

Having worked in social services for years (I do grant writing, program planning and program evaluation) I will never, ever give green beans! From being in pantries, I've seen enough canned green beans that I just can't do it. I do give other veggies...but they are usually the "odd" ones like canned asparagus, beets, hominy, greens, spinach, etc. I know that many older folks use pantries to supplement and like what my grandma used to call the old-time veggies.

The one "special" thing that I always give is Hershey's syrup....powdered milk just tastes awful, but with Hershey's syrup, it's not too bad. I remember that from drinking powdered milk as a kid when we'd go camping. Mom never wanted to waste the cooler space on milk.

K

 

[Sorsha]

If I am buying things specifically for a food drive, I follow the list of requested items, but I buy the versions I would buy myself. So I will buy chunk white tuna in water, low-sodium, veggie-based, and/or organic canned soups, dry pastas (but I REFUSE to buy the blue-box mac-and-cheese crap, which is always on their list), water packed canned veggies, fruit-juice packed canned fruit, canned tomatoes with no HFCS, Skippys honey-nut peanut butter (because its the one *I* like the best LOL), etc.

If I am just going somewhere where they are having a canned food drive (the library when they do food-for-fines, etc) or putting food into the mailbox for the postal carrier's drive then I just grab some of whatever I have extra of in the pantry.

Usually ends up being the same as the list of what I would buy above though, because that's just how I shop.

 

[MichelleinMaine]

We have a pantry at the church where I work. Yes, I would stick to the suggested list as much as possible. It's based on what we're short on, ergo, what people actually take. Things like whole wheat pasta, quinoa, or the like- while certainly healthier- will stay on the shelf. It is probably a mix of familiarity and comfort, both of which can be important to someone whose world is turned upside down enough to necessitate them needing to ask for food. I also suspect different pantries several different demographics. We serve alot of down home New Englanders, for example, so cans of baked beans are alot more popular than cans of refried beans. Other places are different, I'm sure.

As said- toiletries are always on our list because they can't be purchased with food stamps. Laundry detergent is also big because it's a big ticket item and not often donated on food drives.

Our list also is limited to exclude things we don't need. As someone else pointed out, canned pumpkin comes in by the boxful in fall food drives. Very few people take it. (We give ours to some local groups who make pies for the soup kitchen.) Likewise, pickled capers, exotic sauces and foreign foods never get taken.

Generic or not- no one cares, honestly. Please- check expirations dates though! Nobody wants to eat 4 year old saltines (or 12 year old raisins, we had some of those donated one year! )

 

[NotUrsula]

...
Having worked in social services for years (I do grant writing, program planning and program evaluation) I will never, ever give green beans! From being in pantries, I've seen enough canned green beans that I just can't do it. I do give other veggies...but they are usually the "odd" ones like canned asparagus, beets, hominy, greens, spinach, etc. I know that many older folks use pantries to supplement and like what my grandma used to call the old-time veggies.

The one "special" thing that I always give is Hershey's syrup....powdered milk just tastes awful, but with Hershey's syrup, it's not too bad. I remember that from drinking powdered milk as a kid when we'd go camping. Mom never wanted to waste the cooler space on milk.

Now the Hershey's syrup I wouldn't have thought of; thanks for that one. (And again, isn't that one of the things that some people would probably refuse to give because it encourages children to form a taste for chocolate milk?) I do already give cans of evaporated skim milk for cooking; it is shelf-stable and very useful for boxed things (like, yes, "blue box" m&c) that call for milk to be added. I figure if they can use the ESM for cooking then they can afford more fresh milk for drinking.

Also, amen on the green beans. I'll bet that 5 will get you 10 that a lot of the expired cans are in the green bean category; people always seem to buy them because they think that they should eat them, but seldom do. (Of course, I had to get on DH a couple of weeks ago when DS asked for cans at the last second for school and he tossed in a 3 yo can of cream of celery soup that he found at the back of the pantry. I don't think that ANYONE actually eats cream of celery soup separately; it's only useful as a cooking ingredient.)