Food

Our personal relationship with food is always interesting and varied. We all have our personal likes and dislikes. One of the things I have learned dieting the last 4 months is just eating when I am hungry. Food isn't a cure for boredom. It isn't a substitute for love. It isn't an escape from pain or loneliness. The other thing that becomes apparent very quickly is that your groceries last longer. Having said all that what I want to talk about today is donations to food banks. I volunteered at the FISH Food Bank in Galesburg. I've seen the faces of the hungry. I have an idea what they look for when they come in and what we always seemed to need.

1. Money. It was not so much a problem at FISH as it is here in the Savannah area. When you get to  a big city and a large food bank it is better to donate money rather than food. Why? They are able to buy in bulk, to get deals from producers and warehouses on dated products or discontinued items. Sometimes the cost is jus the freight to have it delivered. So my advice, for your church pantry give food, for a large community pantry give money.

2. Spices. Food banks often provide a lot of rice, dehydrated potatoes and beans. Bland foods that could use a little spice.

3. Feminine Products. You can't buy these items with food stamps.

4. Chocolate. Okay, not a necessity, but it would provide a nice treat once in a while. When I was volunteering we would get candy in from time to time and it went out the door pretty quick.

5. Toiletries. Grocery stores and food distributors are good about donating food items. They have almost zero incentive to donate nonperishable items like toilet paper. So think about a donation of tooth paste, shampoo, soap, deodorant or similar items.

6. Canned meat. It is tough to provide enough protein.

7. Crackers. Everybody loves them and they keep well.

8. Baby items like diapers, wipes, formula, baby food, baby bottles. We rarely had those items and when we did they were gone quickly.

9, Soup Packets. Dried soup mixes can dress up an otherwise bland meal.

10. Socks. These are especially vital for the homeless. If you have ever had cold feet you know how miserable that can make you feel.

11. Canned Fruit. Just please not pineapple. We would have 50 cases of vegetables and sometimes no fruit. When we did get fruit it was often pineapple. Look for an alternative. Apple sauce is popular.

Please take a few minutes to donate to your local food bank. Food, money, any of the items listed above. If you really want to make a difference donate some of your time.