WHAT LOCAL FOOD PANTRIES NEED THE MOST

As food insecurity continues to rise across Macon County, local food pantries are seeing more families turn to them for help. While every donation makes a difference, certain non-perishable goods are especially needed to keep shelves stocked and meals balanced.

Most-Needed Pantry Items

Canned Fruits – Such as peaches, pears, pineapples, mandarin oranges, fruit cocktail, apples, apricots

Canned Vegetables – Such as carrots, peas, green beans, potatoes, tomatoes, greens, corn, beets, yams

Canned Meats – Such as chicken, tuna, beef, hash, turkey, ham, sausages

Canned Beans – Such as kidney beans, chili beans, pinto beans, black beans, garbanzo beans

Canned Soups & Pastas – Such as chicken noodle, beef stew, cream of mushroom, ravioli, spaghetti, and more

Canned Sauces – Such as pasta sauce, applesauce, tomato sauce, gravy, enchilada sauce

Canned Dairy – Such as condensed milk, evaporated milk, cheese sauce, dairy-free options

Dry Goods – Such as pasta (spaghetti, macaroni), rice (white, brown, instant), whole grain cereals, oatmeal

Boxed Meals – Such as mac & cheese, instant potatoes, Hamburger Helper, Pop-Tarts

Bottled Juice – Such as apple, orange, cranberry

Condiments – Such as ketchup, mustard, relish, mayo

Peanut Butter & Jelly – all varieties, including nut butters and fruit preserves

Snacks – Such as granola bars, trail mix, jerky, beef sticks, dried fruit, fruit cups

Bulk Items – any of the above in warehouse sizes (Sam’s Club, Costco) for noon meal programs like Good Samaritan Inn.

Just a reminder that perishable food cannot be accepted at the WSOY Community Food Drive site due to logistical reasons. Perishable items require refrigeration and have a short shelf life. And our pantries are better served when they can purchase these items as needed. Funds raised through the WSOY Community Food Drive enable pantries to purchase fresh, nutritious foods as needed, while minimizing spoilage and waste.

When you shop for the WSOY Community Food Drive, consider adding some of these most-needed items to your cart. Together, we can ensure our local food pantries have the resources they need to serve our neighbors with dignity and care.

Learn more about how to give at WSOYFoodDrive.com.