While we don’t have a formal Food Pantry with regular hours, we do keep a set of shelves stocked with food for neighbors who come to us in need. We aim to provide groceries that can be easily combined into nutrient and calorie-rich meals by and for our neighbors. Working on the (occasionally false) assumption that those who are short on money for groceries are also short on money for cooking equipment, we focus on one or two-pot meals and pull-top cans where available. We also try to anticipate different family sizes, from a single individual to multi-generational households.
Grains and Pastas:
- egg noodles
- macaroni noodles
- macaroni and cheese (family boxes and individual servings)
- Rice a Roni
- white rice
- brown rice
- Ramen Noodles
- low-sugar cereals
- individual oatmeal packets
- individual Cream of Wheat packets
Soups
- hearty soups (meals in a can)
- soups that can form the base for a casserole
- stews
- individual-serving, freeze-dried and/or microwavable soups
- chicken stock
- low-sodium soups and stocks
Meat
- canned or vacuum-packed tuna
- canned or vacuum-packed chicken
- canned or vacuum-packed salmon
- chili con carne
Fats
- Vegetable Oil Margarine (no dairy added!)
- Vegetable Oil (Corn, Canola, Olive)
Vegetables
- canned carrots, corn, hominy, peas, green beans, potatoes, sweet potatoes, beets etc. (low salt,)
- canned or dried beans
- refried beans
Fruit
- canned pears, peaches, pineapple, etc. packed in juice
- fruit paks (in juice)
- apple sauce paks
Healthy Snacks
- dried fruit
- cheese (or peanut butter) and cracker paks
- granola bars
- peanut butter
- jam or fruit spread
Drinks
- (real) juice boxes
- milk boxes (aseptic containers)
- individual cocoa mix packets
- individual powdered milk packets
Non-Food Staples
- individually-wrapped toilet paper rolls
- feminine hygiene products
- deoderant
- shampoo/conditioner
- bar soap
- toothpaste
- toothbrushes
- hairbrushes/combs
Please Avoid:
- perishables!!!!!!
- foods past their expiration date
- high-sugar foods
- high-sodium foods
- soda
- candy, cookies
- “juice drinks”
