There are hundreds of food banks and food pantries across the United States that will gladly accept your donations. So, if you are looking for where to donate food to help support your community and help those in need, here are the list of national and local food banks locations in the United States.
Provided you enjoy a comfortable standard of living, you can help support those in need. Don’t forget that apart from food items and money, you can also donate your time to help organize a food drive or volunteer at a food pantry.
National and Local Food Banks Locations To Donate Food
National Food Banks
1. Feeding America
Feeding America is one of the biggest nationwide directories of food banks. They secure and distributes 4.3 billion meals each year through food pantries and meal programs throughout the United States. To see their hundreds of partner food banks nearest you, visit their website.
Also, Accepted donations include Canned foods such as soup, fruits, or vegetables; fresh produce and frozen produce; milk and other dairy products; personal care items. Also, cash donations are accepted.
2. Ample Harvest
Ample Harvest Food Bank accept Fresh produce. Alo, monetary donations are encouraged as well. You can find the nearest Ample Harvest food pantry here.
Local Food Banks Locations By Region | Eastern United States
- Capital Area Food Bank (DC area and Lorton, VA)
They accept donations like Canned or dry beans; peanut butter; canned vegetables; canned tuna, salmon, or chicken; healthy snacks; hot and cold cereal; canned fruits; 100% juice; and other unopened, nonperishable food items. However, cash donations accepted.
- City Harvest (NYC)
City Harvest accepted donations include Canned and packaged food; frozen foods; shelled eggs; whole fresh produce; frozen meat, poultry, and seafood etc. Also, cash donations are accepted.
- The Greater Boston Food Bank
They accept cash donations to help buy food and acquires food through food industry product donations. Also, its 550 member agencies may accept food donations from individuals.
- Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank
Accepted donations include cash and canned tuna or salmon (packed in water), peanut butter, canned beans, canned vegetables (low or no sodium), cereal (low sugar, high fiber), and other nonperishable items. Glass containers will not be accepted.
Local Food Banks Locations By Region | Midwest
- Food Bank of Iowa
The most needed items required by Food Bank of Iowa include canned soup; canned vegetables; breakfast items (including cereal); 100% fruit juice; peanut butter; canned meat or tuna; dry pasta; and personal items. All packaged items must be unopened and in the original packaging. All fresh produce must be unspoiled and undamaged.
- Food Bank of Eastern Michigan
The Food Bank of Eastern Michigan obtains food from grocery store surpluses. Also, the partner agencies that the Food Bank serves may accept food donations from individuals.
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
The Northern Illinois Food Bank provides nutritious meals to those in need in Boone, DuPage, DeKalb, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, Ogle, Stephenson, Will, & Winnebago counties. Individuals can help by running food drives, and agricultural business can contribute produce. You can make a donation online.
- Second Helpings (Greater Indianapolis)
High priority items include spaghetti, soy sauce, elbow macaroni, garlic powder, coriander, salt, pepper, and other non-perishable food items with a long shelf-life. Cash donations are also accepted.
Local Food Banks By Region | South
- Second Harvest Food Bank (Louisiana)
The Second Harvest accepts all non-perishable food items (ones that do not need to be refrigerated or frozen) in non-glass containers. Most needed items include oatmeal, cereal, grits, healthy snacks, evaporated and dry milk, pasta, rice, fruit cups, dried fruits, diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, dried beans, lentils, or peas; and canned meat (tuna and chicken). They also provide numerous ways for donors to make monetary donations.
- Community Food Bank of Central Alabama
Any nonperishable food items within their expiration date are accepted. Most needed items are canned tuna or chicken, pasta and pasta sauce, dried or canned beans, peanut butter and jelly, and cereal, oatmeal, and grits. Cash donations are accepted.
- Mississippi Food Network
Nonperishable items such as canned meat; canned fruit, vegetables and soups, and peanut butter etc are accepted, alongside with cash donations.
Local Food Banks Locations in Western United States
- Central Texas Food Bank
The most needed items are cash and peanut butter, canned chicken or tuna, canned low sodium vegetables, dry pinto beans, brown rice, non-fat dry milk powder, and 100% whole grain cereal. Furthermore, items must be unopened in original packaging, nonperishable, and in non-glass containers.
- Central Texas Food Bank
This food bank accepts cash and items like peanut butter; canned chicken or tuna; canned low sodium vegetables; dry pinto beans; brown rice; non-fat dry milk powder; and 100% whole grain cereal. Also, they must be unopened in original packaging, nonperishable, and in non-glass containers.
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- Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank accept items ranging from canned proteins such as tuna, sardines, stews, and soups; peanut butter and jelly; canned fruits and vegetables; fruit juices; and staples such as rice, beans, and pasta. Also, they encourage monetary donations over physical items.
- Waste Not Arizona
The Waste Not Arizona accepts surplus food from caterers, restaurants, hotels, and other organizations, but not from individuals. However, Waste Not can match an individual donor with a recipient agency in the local area that needs the donation.
- Oregon Food Bank
Oregon Food Bank wants items like shelf-stable milk; canned or dried beans; canned tuna, chicken, or salmon; brown rice; whole-wheat pasta; soups, chilies, and stews; and 100% fruit juices. Glass items must be boxed or bagged separately and clearly marked “GLASS.” And cash donations accepted.
Food items can be donated past their expiration date. Items collected from individuals generally need to be within the expiration date.