With the US government shut down, the WIC and SNAP programs have been suspended until further notice. Many of us who rely on these programs will be turning to food pantries. Nearly everyone donating to food banks goes with the shelf staples, such as peanut butter, pasta, boxed mac and cheese, beans, rice. Mac and cheese seems like a great choice, however it calls for butter and milk. The butter can be replaced by using pasta water but you can’t replace the milk. Shelf safe milk is available at most Dollar Tree stores for only $1.25 each. Whole milk, almond milk and oat milk. These are the perfect donation items. Here are some things needed in food banks that are rarely donated. Most of these can be found at your local dollar store.
Shelf safe milk and milk alternatives
Toilet paper, paper towels
Baby wipes, diapers, pull ups
Deodorant
Laundry detergent
Toothpaste, toothbrushes
Shampoo, body wash for adults, kids and babies
Canned tomatoes, sauce
Seasonings or spices – to doctor up that pasta sauce or ramen
Baby food and formula
Plain applesauce – can be used to replace eggs for baking
Jelly or honey – to go with the peanut butter
Vegetable or olive oil
Grated parmesan in the shaker
Pancake mix – just add water and stretches a long way
Mayo
Cream of mushroom, chicken, etc – pairs great with the rice for a casserole base
Coconut oil – for cooking and many household needs
Vinegar or apple cider vinegar – work well as cleaning products
