Print-and-Go Donation Checklist: The Best Non-Perishable Foods to Donate Today

Food insecurity affects millions of Americans each year, with many families struggling to put nutritious meals on the table. If you’re looking to support your local food bank, knowing which items to donate can make all the difference. The right donations help families create balanced, satisfying meals while maximizing the impact of your contribution.

This guide breaks down the best non-perishable foods to donate and provides a simple checklist you can take straight to the grocery store. Whether you’re organizing a food drive or picking up a few extra items during your weekly shop, these suggestions will ensure your donations truly help those in need.

Why Non-Perishable Foods Matter

Food banks rely on shelf-stable items because they can be stored safely for extended periods, transported easily, and distributed efficiently. Unlike fresh produce or dairy, non-perishables won’t spoil quickly, giving food banks the flexibility to get them to families when they need them most. These items also tend to be more affordable and accessible, making it easier for donors to give generously.

When selecting items for your list of non-perishable foods to donate, focus on nutritious options that support balanced diets. High-protein foods, whole grains, and low-sodium canned goods provide the building blocks for healthy meals while respecting limited budgets and kitchen resources.

The Best Non-Perishable Foods to Donate

High-Protein Staples

Protein-rich foods are among the most requested items at food banks because they’re essential for nutrition yet often expensive for families to purchase regularly. The best non-perishable foods in this category include:

• Canned tuna, salmon, and chicken (water-packed and low-sodium when possible)
• Peanut butter and other nut butters (almond, cashew, or sunflower butter for those with peanut allergies)
• Canned beans and lentils (black beans, chickpeas, kidney beans, pinto beans)
• Canned chili and stews with meat or beans
• Shelf-stable meats like Spam or corned beef

These items require minimal preparation, making them accessible for households with limited cooking equipment or time.

Healthy Non-Perishable Food: Grains and Carbohydrates

Whole grains provide fiber, energy, and versatility—making them excellent additions to your donation box. When choosing the best items for food pantry shelves, look for:

• Brown rice, white rice, or instant rice (white rice has a longer shelf life; instant rice is more convenient)
• Whole-grain pasta (penne, spaghetti, fusilli, or shells)
• Quinoa, farro, or barley for variety
• Rolled oats or instant oatmeal packets (low-sugar varieties preferred)
• Whole-grain, low-sugar cereals with at least 5 grams of fiber per serving

These staples stretch meals further and pair well with proteins and vegetables to create complete, satisfying dishes.

Best Canned Goods to Donate: Fruits and Vegetables

Canned produce is just as nutritious as fresh when selected carefully. It provides essential vitamins and minerals while maintaining a long shelf life. Good non-perishable foods to donate in this category include:

• Low-sodium or no-salt-added canned vegetables (corn, green beans, carrots, peas, tomatoes)
• Canned fruit packed in 100% juice or water (avoid heavy syrup)
• Unsweetened applesauce in jars or cups
• 100% fruit or vegetable juice (small, family-friendly sizes)
• Canned or jarred tomato products (crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes)

Look for cans with pull-tab lids whenever possible, as they eliminate the need for a can opener.

Cooking Essentials and Pantry Extras

Basic cooking ingredients often fall off shopping lists when budgets are tight, but they’re what turn simple staples into flavorful meals. Consider donating:

• Cooking oils (vegetable, canola, or olive oil)
• Dried herbs and spices (garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, chili powder, cinnamon)
• Salt, pepper, and no-salt seasoning blends
• Sugar, honey, or other natural sweeteners
• Shelf-stable broth or bouillon cubes

These items help families prepare meals that feel comforting and complete rather than basic and bland.

Sauces and Meal Enhancers

Pasta and rice are frequently donated, but the sauces that make them delicious are often in shorter supply. Round out your list of non-perishable foods to donate with:

• Pasta sauce (marinara, tomato-basil, or cheese sauce)
• Salad dressings with long shelf lives
• Jellies, jams, and preserves
• Syrup for pancakes and waffles

Breakfast and Snack Items

For school lunches and busy mornings, convenient snacks and breakfast foods make a big difference. The best non-perishable foods for families with children include:

• Granola bars (low-sugar, high-protein options)
• Whole-grain crackers
• Nuts and trail mix (unsalted or lightly salted)
• Instant oatmeal packets (low-sugar varieties)

Baby and Family Essentials

Families with young children face unique challenges. If your local food bank accepts these items, consider adding:

• Infant formula (check with your food bank first, as some have specific requirements)
• Baby food in pouches or jars
• Shelf-stable milk or milk alternatives (dairy, soy, almond, oat)
• Powdered milk for families without consistent refrigeration

What Not to Donate

While food banks appreciate generous donations, certain items can’t be accepted due to safety or logistical concerns:

• Expired or nearly-expired foods—always check “best by” and “use by” dates
• Opened or damaged packages—food safety requires intact, sealed containers
• Glass containers—many food banks won’t accept them due to breakage risk
• Homemade or home-canned goods—food banks can’t verify ingredients or safety
• Perishable items—fresh meat, dairy, and produce require refrigeration
• Oversized commercial cans (#10 cans)—these are too large for most families to use before spoiling

When in doubt, donate what you’d be excited to receive yourself. If you wouldn’t serve it to your own family, it’s probably not the right choice for donation.

Your Print-and-Go Donation Checklist

Ready to shop? Use this quick reference list of non-perishable foods to donate: Click Here to Download

Proteins:

• Canned tuna or salmon (water-packed)
• Canned chicken
• Peanut butter or nut butter
• Canned beans (black, pinto, kidney, chickpeas)
• Canned chili or stew

Grains:

• Rice (brown, white, or instant)
• Whole-grain pasta
• Oatmeal or instant oatmeal
• Low-sugar cereal

Fruits & Vegetables:

• Low-sodium canned vegetables
• Canned fruit (in juice or water)
• Unsweetened applesauce
• Canned tomatoes or tomato sauce

Cooking Essentials:

• Cooking oil
• Dried herbs and spices
• Pasta sauce
• Shelf-stable broth

Extras:

• Granola bars
• Crackers
• Shelf-stable milk

Making Your Donation Count

Beyond choosing the right items, here are a few tips to maximize your impact:

Buy in bulk when possible. Warehouse club items stretch your donation budget, but consider repacking large containers into family-friendly portions before donating.

Choose low-sodium options. These are healthier and allow recipients to season food to their own taste.

Look for pull-tab cans. They’re more accessible for people without can openers.

Pair items together. Donate pasta with sauce, rice with beans, or oatmeal with shelf-stable milk to create complete meal solutions.

Give financially, too. Food banks can often purchase food at wholesale prices, meaning your dollar goes further than it does at the grocery store. Consider pairing your food donation with a monetary gift.

Where to Donate

Use the Feeding America Food Bank Finder to locate food banks and pantries near you. Many organizations also list their most-needed items on their websites so that you can tailor your donations to current needs.

If you’re interested in supporting local efforts in Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, visit the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore to learn more about donating food, volunteering, or hosting a food drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are canned goods better than fresh food for donations?

For individual donors, canned goods are typically better because they’re shelf-stable and easy to transport. However, many food banks work directly with farmers and retailers to source fresh produce, so financial donations can help them secure fresh items in bulk.

Can I donate baby formula and baby food?

Many food banks accept baby formula and jarred or pouched baby food, but policies vary. Contact your local food bank before donating these items to confirm they can accept them.

What items do food banks not accept?

Food banks typically don’t accept expired food, opened packages, glass containers, homemade goods, perishable items, or oversized commercial cans. Always check with your local food bank for specific guidelines.

How can I maximize the impact of my food donations?

Focus on nutritious, versatile items like proteins, whole grains, and low-sodium canned goods. Pair complementary items together (like pasta and sauce), and consider adding a financial donation to help food banks purchase fresh produce and other high-demand items.

Turn Good Intentions Into Real Impact

Donating to your local food bank is one of the most direct ways to help neighbors facing food insecurity. By choosing nutritious, shelf-stable items and following this list of non-perishable foods to donate, you ensure your contribution truly makes a difference in someone’s life.

Whether you’re picking up an extra jar of peanut butter during your weekly shop or organizing a community food drive, every donation helps. Print this checklist, take it to the store, and start making an impact today.

For more information on supporting hunger relief efforts, explore our guides on where food pantries get their food, what food banks do, and the difference between food banks and food pantries.