1. Cash is always best. Pantries know what they need and have purchasing power. However, people... dislike donating cash (it's a well-documented fact) so... read on!

2. If your local food bank allows diaper donations, consider donating those. Diapers are not WIC/foodstamp eligible, and most daycares don't allow cloth diapers.

3. In general, think of kids and the elderly. Unusual/super trendy things like quinoa might not be as welcome as something like chicken soup with stars. Parents have to convince their kids to eat whatever they receive from the pantry

4. Likewise, I've been told multiple times how appreciated cake mix and frosting is. Remember, classroom birthdays are a thing in many schools, and every one should be allowed to have a birthday cake. ❤️🎂❤️

5. Some food pantries directly support an immigrant or refugee population. For those, it's much appreciated to donate the foods of that region

6. Ease of eating. although dry goods can be great, remember some people might not have electricity. Consider granola bars/fruit cups/things that can be eaten as is

7. Spices and sauces!!! most pantries are pretty well stocked with pasta and rices, so donations of things to flavor those spices are always appreciated

8. Pads/tampons (if your pantry accepts them) remember. These objects are TAXED in most states, and are often not food stamp eligible.

9. Something "special" : chocolate. Fancy pasta sauce. A really nice box of cookies. Think of all the reasons you "treat yourself" to a little luxury, everything from a breakup to a celebration, and remember everyone feels those things.

10. Low sodium/low sugar versions of staples like peanut butter, tuna, and juice.

11. Instant coffee/tea. I'm told senior citizens especially really appreciate decaf instant coffee. For them, it might help them socialize--i.e. The ability to invite a friend over for coffee.

12. Pet food.. with the MAJOR caveat that you check to ensure the food bank you're giving to accepts them. Otherwise it can imply (accidentally) that you didn't care enough to give "people" food

13. Kosher/gluten-free/vegan/nut-free foods are often highly sought after!

14. If you have a garden, check with your local pantry. Some accept homegrown crops!

15. REUSABLE TOTE BAGS. You know those ones you get at conferences? They are so much sturdier than plastic bags

16. Based on feedback, adding cooking oil, soap, cleaning supplies and personal hygiene goods

If you're looking for my absolute favorite food pantry, please consider donating to @SpiritPineRidge This charity gets healthy, much-needed food directly to the people of Pine Ridge Reservation http://nativeprogress.org/en/p...

@Writer_Carrie Formula. Don’t @ me with “breast is best.” That’s not always an option. And good formula is hella expensive.

@A_Bright_Lizzie Yup. Agreed. Formula is super important to donate!

@Writer_Carrie Also: often donors want us to push low-sugar, low-fat, veg protein, organic, etc. but for many reasons we can’t. Our clients mostly need fast calories to fill kids’ tummies tonight. Diet makeovers take much more time & education than we can provide.

@FaulknerKirk Yup. That fact is on my list.

@Writer_Carrie We are getting ready to open a food pantry at my college for our food insecure students. We've been having lots of these conversations, and this is helpful.

@heyval2 Happy to be of help!

@Writer_Carrie Carrie, this is one of the best things you’ve ever posted on Twitter. 💕 It’s full of very practical information that really shows how to honor the dignity of every. single. person. And I am HERE FOR IT. Thank you!! 😍🥰💕🖤💛

@SecretAgentL ❤️❤️❤️❤️Thank you for the kind words!

@Writer_Carrie Ready made pie crusts and cans of filling. Every food drive I’ve ever worked never has enough.

@photogema Good point! Also, let's get coffee sometime?

@Writer_Carrie Today was the holiday food drive for our neighborhood pantry. On the walk over my H noticed I included an unopened bag of leftover Halloween candy. He said it’s not nutritious. I said kids may want a piece. Should I have included it or not? We also included a check. TY.

@beezusnramona I think it's great you included it! It might end up as part of a holiday or birthday party for a kid.

@Writer_Carrie @SamanthaJPower As an I operator of a charity for homeless veterans I’d like to suggest that you find a charity & donate directly to them as food banks CHARGE charities by the pound for YOUR DONATED food. Cash donations are great. When donating to homeless pop top cans are best. THANK YOU!

@Gail98435625 @SamanthaJPower Yes. Cash is the first item on my list.