Some of the items the Food Bank needs the most:

Whole grain foods like oatmeal, barley, high-fibre cereals or whole-grain pasta contain plenty of fibre and are an excellent source of minerals like magnesium and iron.

Baby cereals and jarred baby foods make good donations since roughly one third of Canadian food bank recipients are children.

Lean proteins from foods like canned tuna and chicken; plant proteins like peanut butter, beans, and lentils; or more complete proteins contained in other canned meats help in the maintenance of body tissue and contribute to a feeling of satiety. Nut butters are a favourite because they’re a versatile ingredient in snacks and meals.

Canned fruit is high in vitamin C and dietary fibre. Preferably free of added salt and sugars, studies suggest that frozen and canned vegetables are a good alternative to fresh produce.

Milk and dairy alternatives like shelf stable milk, powdered milk, almond milk, and rice milk from the grocery store shelf contain vitamin D, vitamin A, and, most importantly, calcium.