Best foods to donate to a Thanksgiving food drive

Thanksgiving is a time of plenty. Many people want to share the bounty of the season with those who would not be able to have a Thanksgiving dinner without the food that is donated in Thanksgiving food drives. There is a great need in our country for people to participate in these food drives and there are many foods that will be gratefully received. 

The most important food that you can donate to the local Thanksgiving food drive is a frozen turkey. These drives are usually carried on for several weeks before the holiday and a frozen turkey is easy to store and to deliver. There is often need for very large turkeys for families but there is also a need for a small turkey or a roasting chicken for singles, the elderly and couples. Don’t forget those who may be alone for the holidays.

Potatoes are another food that is important to donate. This can be fresh potatoes; a five-pound bag is a good donation. If it is too much for one meal, it can be used for additional meals in the days following Thanksgiving. You might prefer to give a box of potatoes, these can be scalloped, au gratin or mashed.

Stuffing or dressing is a traditional food for Thanksgiving. Several companies produce boxed or bagged stuffing that needs very little work or additional ingredients to make it into a delicious side dish.

Fresh vegetables are much appreciation and desired. Celery, onions, carrots, turnips and squash are good choices. You want to choose vegetables that will last a while. You can also include some canned vegetables such as corn, peas and green beans which are almost universally liked.

Cranberry sauce is a staple of Thanksgiving dinner. Including a few cans is always a good idea. You can also include a can or a jar of gravy.

Dinner rolls are a nice addition to the food donations. You can also include loaves of sliced bread which many people like to have with their Thanksgiving dinner.

In order to have a complete meal,  it is important to donate things like shelf stable milk or fresh milk, butter, cream, and eggs. Most people who will get a basket or bag of food for Thanksgiving appreciate getting these items.

Watch for sales at your local grocery store and pick up a pumpkin or apple pie. Dessert is part of the whole holiday meal. You can also include a cake or a brownie mix.

Dinner on Thanksgiving isn’t the only meal of the day. There is breakfast. To make the day extra special for a family in need why not consider donating some cold cereal, oatmeal, complete pancake mix and syrup, hot chocolate mix, coffee and tea.

Some staples that every food bank can use on their shelves are canned tuna fish, peanut butter, spaghetti and macaroni, canned soup, spaghetti sauce and meals in a can like baked beans, stews, and chili.

All of these foods will be welcomed at a Thanksgiving food drive. Sharing your good fortune with those who have less is a great way to get into the spirit of what the first Thanksgiving was all about. Don’t forget the food bank the rest of the year, there is a need all year.