Best Food Items for the Food Drive

Cinzia Cuneo 10 dicembre, 2013 Natale, mangiare sano

This article was originally written on December 10, 2013 and fully updated on November 21, 2025.

Sadly the list of non-perishable items required by food banks for helping families in need is very long.

This list includes, among other items, basic food such as flour, sugar, oil, rice, breakfast cereals, and canned vegetables. Of course you can also choose pastries and more expensive food that underprivileged families can’t treat themselves to.

If you want to give nourishing food that has a long shelf life, here is a list prepared by the dietitians of Extenso.org:

1. Canned beans

Very nutritious and filling, they can be cooked in any number of ways. We propose more than one hundred easy and tasty recipes. And when it comes to the variety, you will be spoilt for choice: Lentils, chickpeas, black, red or white beans, etc.

2. Canned fish

Canned fish and seafood are rich in protein and contain good fats (omega 3 in particular). Salmon, sardines, herring, clam and mackerel. Remember to provide several varieties! If you choose tuna, first check the 2017 Ranking for sustainable tuna, published by Greenpeace to know which type has the least environmental impact.

3. Canned soups

There is a large variety of soups in the market, but they are generally very salty. Make sure you choose less salty versions.

4. Pasta and pasta sauce

SOS food par excellence, pasta has a very long shelf life. The whole-wheat variety is more nutritious and satisfying. As for the sauce or canned tomatoes, avoid glass containers, for these are not accepted in food drives since they may break.

5. Peanut and almond butter

They are great for lunch or a snack as they are rich in protein and dietary fibers. It’s better to opt for the natural and creamy type.

6. Crackers

There are many types in the market. Choose those that are high in fiber and low in added fat or salt.

7. Canned fruit and fruit purees

An interesting alternative to fresh fruits. choose the ones that have no added sugar.

8. Breakfast cereals

The ones that contain whole grains as the main ingredient are preferable. Each serving should contain more than 3g of fiber, around 3g of protein, less than 3g of fat, and less than 5g of sugar.

9. Infant formula

Infant formula is expensive, and highly appreciated by poorer families.

10. Long-life milk

If you decide to give milk, pick one that is stored at room temperature, or substitutes such as soya, rice or almond beverages.

Happy Food Drive!

Autori

Cinzia Cuneo

Italiana di nascita e canadese d'adozione, Cinzia ha deciso di coniugare le sue competenze professionali e la sua passione per la buona tavola sviluppando un servizio per aiutare i numerosi «aventi bisogno» a riprendere il controllo della loro alimentazione. Così è nata SOSCuisine. Ingegnere di formazione al Politecnico di Torino, Cinzia ha conseguito un Master's Degree in scienze applicate all'École Polytechnique de Montréal.