How to Choose Foods for Red Cross Donation

There are many reasons to donate food to the Red Cross. The Red Cross provides many services including disaster relief funds, service to the armed forces and international response fund. They also provide food to those who need it. Therefore, if you aren't in a position to make a monetary contribution to the Red Cross, read on to discover how to choose food for Red Cross donation.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Buy can goods. Grocery stores often run specials on can goods. You may be able to get three for $1, buy one get one free, or five for $2; but if you buy extra these will make excellent food donations for the Red Cross.

2. Look for specials on foods that have a long shelf-life. You don't want to donate items that will go bad quickly, unless you are taking the items directly to the Red Cross and you know they will be using them immediately.

3. Try picking out cereals that children enjoy but are good for them. These will go a long way in feeding families that have lost everything. Always keep in mind that you need to try to make complete meals for the families and things they can enjoy.

4. Check out the frozen goods. Vegetables, breakfast items, juices and frozen dinners are among the choices you can select that will be helpful to any family that needs food. The Red Cross will accept these items as long as they have ample freezer room. Check with the Red Cross branch you will be dealing with and see if they have limitations on the food they will accept.

5. Donate meats and turkeys. These can be donated but only if you are going to deliver them immediately to the Red Cross. You can buy fresh or frozen meats.

Tips & Warnings

• Always check with your local Red Cross to see if they have limitations on what they will accept for food donations.
• You should not donate dented cans, open food, homemade foods or items without labels.

Resources

• America Red Cross
• Food Donations