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Food

Non-perishable staples like pasta, canned food, and personal hygiene products are needed by food banks on an ongoing basis. However, what many hungry people don't get enough of is fresh fruit and vegetables. If you have fruit trees or a vegetable garden, consider coordinating with your local food pantry to donate these items.

Call before donating any food -- especially fresh or prepared food -- and make sure you're adhering to your local donation spot's donor guidelines. Consider dropping off a check when you drop off the food. Even ten or twenty dollars goes a long way towards paying for the collection and distribution of donated food.


NATIONAL:
America's Second Harvest - nationwide. Seems like they're only set up to take large, corporate size donations. This is a great nationwide program that's run very efficiently. I have sent many cash donations to them over the years.

Another national list - Shelters and soup kitchen directory



BY REGION:
Alaska, Fairbanks: Fairbanks Community Food Bank

California, Alameda County: Alameda County Community Food Bank

California, Santa Monica: Extra Helpings Westside

Connecticut, several locations: Connecticut Food Bank

Georgia: numerous donation locations

Indiana, Indianapolis: Second Helpings

Maryland, various cities: Maryland Food Bank

Massachusetts, Boston: The Greater Boston Food Bank

Michigan, Ann Arbor: Food Gatherers

New Mexico, Albuquerque: Albuquerque Rescue Mission

New York, New York: City Harvest

Ohio, Cleveland: Cleveland Foodbank

South Carolina: Various

Washington, Seattle: Various food banks

Every May the National Association of Letter Carriers sponsors a food drive and they'll pick up your donation when they drop off your mail. What could be more convenient?

Canada: nationwide list

What can you do right now to help the environment? Drop a line to save some of nature's BioGems.