Comments below are based on my own experiences with food banks in Missouri and Kansas.
In the past, the food pantries with which we have dealt generally have had lists of items that they specifically need or get regular requests for - while special-needs items may be something that some clients could use, the pantries often do not have space to store the extra things. Non-food items may also create storage difficulties, so I wait for lists before donating such.
Cash donated to pantries generally is used directly by the pantry to cover operating costs or to purchase perishable items on an as-needed basis. I don't know of any food pantries that accept gift cards; most do not offer cash or 'cash equivalents' to their clients (because of the possibility of such being used for things like liquor or cigarettes or other items that can be resold to generate cash for illegal drug purchases). If a value-based donation is handed out, it usually is in the form of a grocery store gift certificate that has restrictions on what items can be purchased with it.
Pet needs are certainly an item that might be useful, but, again, some food banks do not have the necessary storage space, as bags of dog and cat food take up a lot of space, I would check with the specific agency before donating such.
And time and service is generally very acceptable; there may be schedule issues, based on when the pantry receives bulk donations.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2011-11-12 03:15 pm (UTC)In the past, the food pantries with which we have dealt generally have had lists of items that they specifically need or get regular requests for - while special-needs items may be something that some clients could use, the pantries often do not have space to store the extra things. Non-food items may also create storage difficulties, so I wait for lists before donating such.
Cash donated to pantries generally is used directly by the pantry to cover operating costs or to purchase perishable items on an as-needed basis. I don't know of any food pantries that accept gift cards; most do not offer cash or 'cash equivalents' to their clients (because of the possibility of such being used for things like liquor or cigarettes or other items that can be resold to generate cash for illegal drug purchases). If a value-based donation is handed out, it usually is in the form of a grocery store gift certificate that has restrictions on what items can be purchased with it.
Pet needs are certainly an item that might be useful, but, again, some food banks do not have the necessary storage space, as bags of dog and cat food take up a lot of space, I would check with the specific agency before donating such.
And time and service is generally very acceptable; there may be schedule issues, based on when the pantry receives bulk donations.
no subject
Date: 2011-11-12 03:29 pm (UTC)Please ignore the grammar and punctuation errors; I do not seem to be able to type very well these days...