Village of Hope Niagara Food Bank

What does Village of Hope Niagara need from our Food Drives?

The short answer is our neighbours in need are no different than ourselves. Picking up extra items that we regularly purchase would be the simplest guide to giving. The following is a general idea list of what products Village of Hope Niagara needs most throughout the year. Typically, longer shelflife products, dry and canned goods are always needed, as well as cleaning products, and toiletries.

1. Cereals

Popular with all ages, cereals are a great donation to help make sure those in need get a good breakfast to start the day. We’d recommend that you choose varieties that are low in sugar and high in fibre.

2. Canned soups and stews

These items provide a warm and nutritious lunch or dinner, and often come contain 3 food groups; protein (e.g. meat), carbohydrates (e.g. potatoes) and vegetables. Most vegetable soup will provide one of your 5-a-day foods but where possible, try to donate lower salt options.

3. Pasta, pasta sauce, and rice

Pasta and rice can be great accompaniments to a meal and provide a source of carbohydrates and often very little fat. Look out for whole grain / brown pasta / rice options to help support fibre intakes.

4. Canned meat and fish

These provide an excellent source of protein. They can easily be added to stews or soups to help support a balanced diet, so they make a useful donation to Village of Hope Niagara. Choose canned fish in spring water over oil.

5. Canned beans, corn, potatoes, and other vegetables

Canned vegetables are a great and versatile choice – low-salt canned vegetables are even better. It takes no time to add extra vegetables to pasta sauces and soups to decrease their energy density and increase their nutrient density.

6. Canned fruit, and snackables

Canned fruits make a great, non-perishable addition to Village of Hope Niagara’s snack or dessert offering and contribute to 5-a-day intake. Always select ones in juice over syrup to reduce consumption of added sugar.

7. Spices, condiments, sugar, and baking ingredients

Salt and pepper, cumin, turmeric, paprika go a long way in improving any meal and will store for a while, so they make a good donation that may get overlooked by many when giving to Village of Hope Niagara. Where available, choose reduced salt, sugar and/or fat versions. Home baking is a wonderful activity for the whole family, as well as and opportunity to reduce costs, and improve diets. Baking powder, baking soda, flour, salt and sugar, and you’re away.

8. Canola and olive oil sprays

Cooking oils are always in high demand at Village of Hope Niagara - canola and olive oil (doesn’t need to be extra virgin) are good options because they’re the highest in monounsaturated fats and have a relatively mild flavour. Being fats they are naturally high in energy so spray options can be an excellent choice (as well as safer for storage) and ensure they are used sparingly.

9. Broth and stock

Cans of beef, chicken, or vegetable broth and stock are some of the most versatile foods out there because they can be used as foundations for many recipes from soups to casseroles. Try and opt for those low salt to create the healthiest soup foundation possible.

10. All-natural juice, powdered milk, and milk alternatives

Long-life 100% fruit juice can contribute toward 5-a-day intakes and certain juices such as orange can provide a source of Vitamin C - but make sure you choose 100% fruit options and the sugars are only those occurring naturally. Powdered milk, soy, and almond milk, are wonderful alternatives.

Misc.

Personal hygiene products, diapers and wet wipes, cleaning supplies, and toilet paper.

We thank you in advance for your consideration, and donations, during food drives, and throughout the year.

We are community/donor-supported, volunteer-centred, proudly local, and a nationally recognized organization with Charitable Registration Number 835825399RR0001 – Receipts are issued for tax-deductible donations.