Thrifty Tip: Keep a box

Sometimes I buy things my family will never use (like tuna) or I buy a few of a product my family does not like.  Instead of letting them go to waste on my pantry shelves they go into our donation box.  We keep a box (or sometimes a paper bag) in our pantry.

When I do my monthly review of our pantry stock I put anything that is within 30 days of expiring goes into the box unless I will use it that week.  Sometimes items don’t even make it onto my pantry shelves- they are purchased with the sole intention of donating to our local food pantry.

While Ramen Noodles, canned peas and corn are always appreciated at the food banks- they get A LOT of them.  Think of other items you can pick up really cheap (dried beans, dressing, condiments, etc).  Some often rarely thought of items to donate include:

toilet paper
feminine hygiene products
diapers
wipes
juice
dish liquid
laundry detergent
peanut butter
jelly
oatmeal
storage bags
sugar
flour
apple sauce
razors
shaving cream

*Check with your local food pantry to see if they will take Over the Counter Medicine.