Donate cash instead of food items at NC banks/pantries

State officials warned this week that November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for 1.4 million North Carolinians could be delayed because of the ongoing federal government shutdown — potentially driving up demand at local food banks.

The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services said Wednesday, Oct. 29 that October benefits are unaffected, but the state has not yet received federal funding to issue November payments on schedule.

More than 143,000 people in Mecklenburg County and 83,000 in Wake County could be impacted by the delay, The Charlotte Observer previously reported.

Ron Pringle, CEO of the Raleigh-based Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, told The News & Observer his organization is preparing “like a natural disaster,” warning that even after the shutdown ends, “the storm isn’t over.”

With increased traffic expected at food banks across the state, those who are able can help by donating food, time or money — but is donating one better than the others?

While donating food and volunteering are often needed and appreciated, financial donations can have a larger impact. Here’s why.

Is it better to donate food or money?

When you donate money, food banks can usually make it go further than you can at the grocery store.

According to Feeding America, these organizations can purchase large volumes of food at wholesale prices and cover essential costs like transportation, storage, staffing and other things individual food donations can’t always help with. Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina also reports that every dollar donated translates into “about 7 pounds of food.”

Put simply, when you give money, food banks can choose exactly what’s needed and buy it more efficiently than individual shoppers can, Feeding America says. That means the $10 you spend on a few canned goods could provide many meals when donated instead.

Money helps give people what they actually need

Food banks often try to distribute food based on dietary requirements, but those foods aren’t always donated.

A 2022 study published by the National Library of Medicine found that while food banks do help people access food, the donations they receive often lack variety and nutrition.

By donating cash, you help food banks fill those gaps and stock what’s missing, according to the LA Regional Food Bank, which also points out that money gives them the flexibility to buy whatever their clients need at any given time. It also helps them keep up when food prices rise or certain items run short, so they can make sure everyone gets healthy, balanced meals.

Cash donations reduce waste and save food banks time

Donating food can create extra work for food banks, who have to inspect, sort, store and sometimes even throw away items that are expired or damaged.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, while most food banks welcome physical donations, there are still real costs involved in moving and managing all that food.

When you give money instead, food banks can skip the sorting and focus on buying exactly what they need, when they need it. Feeding America also notes that cash also helps support programs that rescue surplus produce and get it to families quickly, before it goes to waste.

What items should you donate to NC food banks?

According to Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, common needs for area food banks include:

• Canned meats
• Canned fruits and vegetables
• Rice
• Beans
• Peanut butter
• Cereal
• Pasta
• Healthy snacks

If you’re planning to donate to a food bank, be sure to check their website first to see what they actually need.

What items should you not donate to NC banks?

These items usually show up on “do not donate” lists because they create safety or logistical problems, according to Second Harvest Food Bank.

• Expired or opened items: These items are often unsafe to distribute.
• Homemade foods: Food banks generally can’t accept them for safety reasons.
• Perishables: Most banks don’t accept these unless they explicitly say they will and have the capacity to store them.
• Poorly labeled or damaged foods: Faded, unreadable or water-damaged labels make items ineligible.
• Food with added spice or seasoning: Highly seasoned foods or mixes may be rejected due to dietary restrictions of recipients.

Want to help?

Check out the Observer’s guide to food banks in the Charlotte area and The N&O’s guide to food banks in the Triangle to find out more about how you can donate in your area.

How to find food, get help

Check out our story on where to get help, including food assistance hotlines, food pantries and nonprofit information for Mecklenburg, Wake, Durham, Orange, Chatham and Johnston County.

For mental health resources during difficult times, check out the News & Observer’s mental health resource guide, which features information about immediate help during a mental health crisis, as well as help for LGBTQ+ people, people of color, children and families, people with disabilities and people experiencing homelessness.