Food Donations in Canada

Tips on how and what to give in your community!

With grocery costs on the rise (again) and Food Banks depended upon by so many Canadian families, we wanted to highlight how to donate and which items to target.  For the most accurate information we encourage you to reach out to your local food resource.

How to Give

As an observant shopper you will notice that most major grocery stores have donation bins located right in their facility, usually around the checkout area.  This is a super quick and easy way to donate a handful of items you may find on sale as you shop.  Drop them off at the donation bin on your way our and after you pay.  Donation centres will come by to grab these items, stores may also drop them off to those locations directly.  Even small amounts help, so if you have the ability grabbing one or two extra items is a great way to help.

Food Drives are a great way to bulk up donations and these donations go a long way to helping out communities.  Food drives typically ask for food or money (in lieu of a food donation).  Tool kits can be found online to help support these events; outlining how to organize event (volunteers, locations, & making announcements). Food Banks or resource centres can help you organize these events and usually provide boxes, templates for posters and thank you letters, and so much more.

For personal and corporate donations some, but not all, locations will issue tax receipts for food donations.  Check with your local centre to see what they can do.

What to Give

The “Most Needed” items requested by Food Banks will vary by location, it’s a great idea to reach out directly to a resource near you and ask them what items they are looking for.  As a general guide the following are just a few items that are often needed and appreciated.

·         Personal hygiene products (toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, etc.)

·         Instant coffee & tea

·         Canned meat (tuna, salmon, etc.)

·         Peanut & nut butters

In addition to non-perishable items many locations do in fact look for and accept perishable items including milk, eggs, and meat.  Check with your local resource to see if this is something they want and can distribute.

When giving products it’s important you check expiration dates.  Donation centres need time to give out these items and cannot distribute anything past an expiration or best before date.  So make sure your donation item has at least a few weeks left before it reaches that date.

Always keep items in their original packaging. So many families have allergies and sensitivities they need to know what exactly is in the items we give.  Without this information it’s not possible to know and as a result so many locations cannot give out these items

Next, make sure the items you donate are in good conditions; meaning no tears, rips, cracks or in the case of canned goods no dents. These can lead to contamination and might be harmful.  Donation centres won’t give out these items and they’ll end up in the trash (or recycling). 

When to Give

Donations are needed all year long! So, give when you can.  For those not able to donate food but who want to be involved, consider volunteering.  This is a great chance to help out in the process and in your community. 

As a reminder the Savin Groceries App features great items on sale each and every week. Check us out today to see what items are on sale and consider donating a few.  Each week we feature our top picks for donations, including everyday flyer sales (in our region) and a few deals found through the app.

Happy Shopping!