I’m writing this post at the risk of sounding ungrateful but I’m genuinely curious. Those of you who eat at the food bank, do you end up using the canned food they give? Like the garbanzo beans and cream of celery fish heads and other random items people fished out of the back of their pantry? When we get back on our feet I’m going to start donating really good food to the food bank.
After a head injury destroyed my life 5 years ago. I've used the food bank monthl for the last two.
I'd be devastated without it. I would never make it the month.
Where I am, the food they give they say is for 2 weeks and you can go once every 30 days. I make the food stretch the month by buying cabbage for bulk, home cooking everything in to larger meals (in other words, not just eat out of the can - I use whatever it is to make a full meal and eat the rest over the next few days or freeze it for another time), and just be smart about it.
My rules are I throw nothing out, and have to try everything at least once (and really try! Not just a taste. Actually make something and give it a go).
I have lines in the sand though: under no circumstances will I eat canned chicken. That shit is barely fit for a dog and the smell alone is enough to make me gag. I have tried absolutely everything to make it better, hide it, 'elevate' it - nope.
I wish the food banks gave better quality, yes. I'm not talking caviar here. I mean nutritionally.
I get given handfulls of shit carb junk food from bakeries: pastries, pies, twinkies, etc. Not only is it nutritionally garbage, its always stale and tough. Junk food is food, sure, but I usually give back 90% of that.
Other than that though, they can give me anything they want. I can make a meal of nearly anything, make it as tasty and nutritious as possible and make it last.
I am grateful as hell for what I get.
Do I wish there was more meat and veg and less prepackaged stuff? Hell yes. I also wish they'd give out flour, sugar, baking soda, onions, cabbage - the basics for cooking.
But I can't support myself. I'm grateful for anything they can give because without them, I would be in even more strife than I am.
I'd give anything for a roast ora bag of onions and a cabbage and flour, but what they give is enough.
It has to be.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I wish there was somewhere for people like you who depend on it long term to go get the extra stuff you need!
I'm really sorry. Curious if it was a workplace accident? My husband suffered one, horrible concussion, migraines, occipital neuralgia and other symptoms. I fear he might not work again.
It really sucks and I will think of you when I donate to the food bank. There needs to be more resources for those that get disabled.
There does, and thank you.
And no, not work related. I was on holidays from work and caught something viral. Had a high fever, lost all my hearing and was deaf for almost a month. Regained enough to get by but wear hearing aids in both ears now.
My cognitive and memory abilities have recovered as much as they're going to, which is a vast improvement from the early days.
Oh wow I'm so sorry, that sounds so sudden and life changing.
Very.
One of things that we all ignore until it happens to us, right? I'm no less guilty of that than anyone else, that's for sure.
I hear that. Hubby's accident turned ours lives upside down overnight. It could have been worse, I'm glad he wasn't paralyzed. He's had surgeries and casts for the bones and ligaments but his head injury still persists. Poor memory and emotional regulation.
Can I ask, does the food bank help with things like toiletries or is it food only?
The costs of everything are going up so high I don't know how people can survive on disability and we're both very frugal.
You can atdk for anything and if they have it, they'll give it. Garbage bags, tooth paste and tooth brushes - pretty much always.
Sometimes they'll give me skin cream/moisturizer things too, which is so very welcome.
Deodorant sometimes, but rarely, and now and then, hair products if you use them.
Usually I just ask, and they'll see if they have them.
I hope your hubby heals and recovers fully. It's crazy when you're just living your life and suddenly you're expected to learn a completely new system and language overnight.
There is zero support for that - the transition from fit and well to being utterly dependent on a system you barely knew existed.
I'm happy to hear the food bank offers other items as well!
You are correct there's zero support and we're navigating a complex system where we need to advocate an awful lot. Things move very slow for months then fast for a few weeks, rinse and repeat. It's exhausting but we're making it.
Join both the occipital and trigeminal neuralgia subs, they're full of info, recommendations, and general support. I have both, they are brutal.
I am VERY sorry you have both! I have joined the occipital neuralgia sub as well as a couple Facebook groups. It's so hard for my husband to get a handle on things and it's been taking forever for him to get into a neurologist or pain clinic.
If you are in central Alberta and have transportation check out Echo food rescue in Lacombe. They run at least once a week and have fruit and veg (often other things like bakery items as well). All free, but the lines can be very long.
I'm not horridly far from Lacombe, but I can no longer drive - too dizzy and I can get lost easily, even in familiar surroundings.
The food bank where I am never restricts bread. You can go in, even if you were there yesterday, and grab a loaf, which is awesome. Bagels when they have them, buns, etc.
I will start donating flour, hope you get some
Please donate money instead. Because the food bank buys in bulk their money goes much farther than ours, and when we donate food items it takes resources to check dates, sort, store etc.
This. They used to have a sign hanging at the food bank that said for every $1 donated, they have $4 of buying power. Not sure if the statistic is still correct (it’s been a few years since I’ve been as a volunteer support) but I’m sure it’s still very similar.
I think this why cash donations maybe perfered? Over the years I used to grab a bag at the grocery store pre made to go, last couple years I donate cash directly hoping it would help with perishable items like protien.
Cost of meat minus pork is pretty pricey rn.
Do they not give out flour/sugar/baking soda or are those items not being donated? I donate and typically try to choose items like beans and lentils that can be versatile and provide some protein and fibre, or protein enriched pasta and some sauce etc, but if it is a matter of things like flour and sugar not being donated enough, I would totally add those as well. Thanks for answering!
Not sure why. Cooking oil too is something incredibly rare, salt too.
I did ask once and was told that the 'majority of people don't cook', which is weird to me. The only way to make food stretch is to cook.
A lot of food banks are at the mercy of donations and fill in gaps with money donations, as far as I know, and focus on food food, not building blocks, if that makes any sense.
Checkout Vancouver food bank. There’s a video story about it from the news. Miracle shit.
Where I am we usually get a small 1kg bag of flour along with a small thing of canola/veg oil and either onions or carrots depending on season.
I'd love to get canned chicken tho! Idk what it is but it's so good mixed with a bit of mayo and eaten with rice LOL. But I've never received it before.
Oh, all yours. I've tried everything to get me to eat it without gagging!
My food bank never has staples like flour or oil or sugar, but at least there's the bulk barn for dry goods. Very inexpensive.
You might find myfridgefood.com useful. You put in the ingredients you have available, and it gives you a list of recipes that you have everything you need, and some that you need a couple of ingredients.
Can you share what you wish for in your food?
Cooking staples: onions (they often already give carrots and potatoes though, which is awesome. HUGE shout out to our Alberta farmers who donate a lot of that), flour, sugar, cabbage - those are less expensive things that people can use to stretch their hamper for a very long time.
If the food bank won a lottery? Meat. Protein goes so much farther when you're hungry, lasts longer in your belly. Big meats, not hot dogs or canned meat.
Just keep in mind, with low income, even the 'cheap stuff' is expensive to us and with the price of food now, even hot dogs feels like rich people food..
Butter, cheese, olive oil, real meat, garlic, Apple Cider Vinigar, salt, baking soda, flour, powered milk.
Yup…I use it all. Sometimes you have to get creative with what they give, but I’m still grateful that they are there.
Yes it beats starving
Not sure about cream of celery fish heads, but garbanzo beans (aka chickpeas) are good food. Super nutritious and quite versatile. Many, many people enjoy them regularly.
An easy protein substitute for ground beef.
2/3 of the globe live on them as a daily staple.
I didn’t know! I am allergic to beans and chick peas. I could eat lentils every day though.
Chick peas and garbanzo beans are the same thing.
Yeah I know.. I just meant other beans as well
Lentils and rice make a full protein. Bonus nutrients if you use brown rice and you can cook them together
Yeah this is pretty much my go to meal!! Lentil soup as well
Sprouting lentils is yummy as well.
For sure! I also do that! And I grow micro greens.
Fish head stew is superb, especially if you can scrounge up some kind of bread on the side.
Chickpeas (garbanzo) are great! Use cream of of celery as a seasoning soup for a casserole.
I know nothing about fish heads. Maybe you could boil to make a soup? Idk perhaps others may have solutions.
Please consider donating cash directly to your local food bank, as they will be able to procure items of the most need and make the $$ stretch much further, given their relationships with grocery stores and businesses in the area. It’s great to donate excess food as well, but cash goes so much further at these places to help the most number of people.
Great idea! I will also do that
I mostly donate Tim Hortons canned soup because it’s the only thing I can afford these days. I used to be able to give more, but current expenses make it difficult. In 2026, I’d like to donate more helpful and nutritious goods. What are some good items to consider?
On average, the food bank is able to turn a $1 donation into $4 worth of food through tactics such as purchasing in bulk. If you feel like you can't donate the foods you want because times are tight you could always just donate the money you would have spent on the soup, and let food bank staff turn it into the goods they need most.
As a food bank volunteer (Calgary) I must emphasize how sound is this advice. While they never turn away donations cold hard cash is king. Needs change almost weekly, some weeks they need baby formula then they need cooking oil and on and on it goes. Some items are donated by suppliers but many of the staples (cooking oil) must be purchased by the food bank. But thanks to everyone who gets involved, regardless of means, they serve up over 700 hampers/day.
What is your opinion of garden produce. I usually do a cash donation around the holidays and then in the summer donate extra produce from our garden. Is that helpful or less so?
As I said every donation is appreciated. Long lived produce like potatoes and carrots are the easiest to store. Your donations will always help.
Good to know! We've done squash, beets and carrots in the past. I kinda thought softer stuff like tomatoes might not last as long.
You’re doing your part. I can assure you that the food bank clients appreciate what we do for them. None of which would be possible without the generosity of people like you.
Plus the donation can be claimed on taxes, allowing the money to be stretched further.
I do donate food, but it's because of extras I have grown or things we bought for ourselves but won't use or a mistake in a grocery order. I haven't purposely bought food to donate since high school.
Showing my ignorance here but when food banks spend $$$ donations, do they tend to end up acquiring the same(ish) things that are donated, and which OP is highlighting? Like, because those things keep well or because the stores that sell to foodbanks are willing to give hot deals on them or whatever. Or do food banks try to purchase more "interesting" things of the sort OP wishes for, and the fact that most handouts aren't that interesting is just because they're outnumbered by all the stereotypical canned-goods-and-KD donations?
I mentioned this in another comment already, but not everyone who utilizes the support of the food bank has access to a kitchen or the ability to cook. Canned goods, such as beans, are an important staple because they are shelf stable, already cooked and a good source of protein. So yes, I imagine the food bank staff are still purchasing those kinds of staples. But their needs change from week to week and they use cash donations to buy the staples that they need the most.
I have been told by Edmonton food bank volunteers that it often goes to bread and eggs and veg, as well as too support special dietary needs.
But they also know exactly what's needed on the shelves when it's needed, and will use monetary donations to bulk up those things that are "boring" but helpful.
Good to know!
Lentils.
I really really like lentils. That’s a good suggestion.
You really like lentils, someone else thinks lentils are gross. Someone else really likes garbanzo beans, you clearly don’t. It’s impossible to please everyone. There’s always going to be something people don’t like in a food hamper no matter what.
Yeah for sure
Ok that makes sense. Thanks
Donate money. Foodbank can do more.
Non refrigerated plant milks and different varieties of healthy cereals perhaps. Dried fruit. Things of a healthy nature. That’s what will donate anyway.
Great ideas! Thanks
Our coop communicates with the food bank and prepackages $10 bags we just buy and they pile them to deliver to the foodbank
It’s so wonderful that you are considerate to helping people in need! Please keep in mind that if you donate that $10.00 directly to the food bank they can make the money go much further because they buy in bulk. For every $1.00 you donate, the food bank has up to $4.00 in purchasing power.
Consider donating monthly if you can. There is an option on their web site to donate with credit card with the option to cover the transaction fee. $25.00 / month is hardly noticeable for some. At 4 to 1, $300.00 / year turns into $1200.00 in the food bank's hands.
Cool, I definitely will
When you drain garbanzo beans (aka chickpeas), keep the brine and look up recipes that use aquafaba. It’s a really versatile ingredient in fancy baked goods and cocktails that most people completely disregard.
I donate cash so they can buy better food. That's the hope anyway.
Donate money. Then the food bank doesn’t need to rely as much on the junk from other peoples cupboards. They can buy eggs and milk and meat.
Yes im going to for sure
So your question is if we eat food in cans, sold in stores. Yes, we do (mostly cook with it).
Hahaha absolutely this
Occasional food bank volunteer here.
You don’t sound ungrateful but you are a bit selfish if you’re throwing things out or at least shortsighted.
Save undamaged cans of what you don’t like and return them if/when you do your next pick up. Don’t want to do that? Almost every grocery store has a big donation bin at the exit door.
Lots of people have dietary preferences. Some don’t like candy, pasta, beans,… others love that stuff.
Toss refrigerated or perishable items.
I definitely don’t throw them out! We are going to return them all.
Aces! And it’s my honour to know you and wish you the best in 2026!
When I donate, I only donate things I would actually want to eat
It is better to donate money so that the Food Bank can buy what is missing or not enough from food donations.
For foodstuff, people generally donate crap that is close to expiration, out of season (cranberry sauce, gravy mix, pie filling, etc), or which is lower quality (no name brand, highly processed food like KD). When you donate money, they can make sure that everyone gets eggs, milk, bread, and/or certain foods for people with dietary restrictions/needs.
Whenever I have volunteer at the Food Bank, I always try to pack foods that can be combined to make an actual meal without a trip to the store (pasta and pasta sauce, rice, peanut butter and bread, etc). I absolutely loathe putting certain food goods into a box. I remember when I was a kid and we always got crap like pumpkin pie filling from the Food Bank. It would sit in the cupboard until it expired because we didn't have the money for a pie pan or a pre-made pie crust from the store. Pies just didn't rank high as a priority in the family budget when food security was a true issue.
See you putting words what I think my Issue with the cans is. Thanks for the info. I will definitely be donating money when I can.
When I worked at a food bank distro site, I printed off recipes using those sorts of ingredients to give out with the boxes. I did recipes for "microwave only" and stuff too, because a lot of our clients lived in motels.
BTW, donate money instead of food when you're back on your feet. A food bank can buy more per dollar than you can (bulk buying, special deals with vendors, etc).
I haven’t for a while, but back in the day yah, we used all parts of the donation hahaha I have moved since but I still have a couple cans of soup I keep ‘just in case’ hahaha I should probably check those expiry dates actually….
At the Calgary Food Bank you fill out an electronic hamper form once you’ve checked in. I usually don’t ask for canned veggies, but sometimes I do soup. Majority of my house has sensory issues around food, so I tend to request more pantry staples like Mac and Cheese, and snacks for the kids. That being said, I make use of what I get.
Fun fact on the chickpeas if you keep the liquid you can make other things with it
https://pbwithj.ca/2024/10/27/aquafaba-101-the-ultimate-guide-to-liquid-gold/
There are apps that help you make meals from what you have in your fridge or pantry. Its a great way to use up the canned food you dont know what to make with or items in your fridge youd never think would make a meal. Its handy and also helps you not waste food. Supercook My fridge food Yummly
You say that now
I’m dead serious. I hate the way people who are struggling aren’t given real thought and care. My eyes have been opened to a lot of things this past year.
Why do you think chickpeas is some weird throw away food no one would ever eat? I cook with chickpeas all the time.
Ah it was just an example we get so many types Of beans but I am allergic.
Beans are a common food bank item because not every person utilizing their support has access to cook. Canned beans are shelf stable, already cooked and a good source of protein.
It makes sense guess it’s just unfortunate for me! I’m re donating them all then. Glad others will utilize them
They don't allow you to listen allergies? That's unfortunate but maybe you can trade with others? I use a lot of chickpeas. I haven't eaten cream of celery soup in a long time but wouldn't be against it. Fish heads ... should be a select-only item to avoid waste! But I'm allergic to fish so maybe my ick factor is higher there.
We. Need. A. UBI. Period.
There is so much food, but its all sitting on the store shelves to force us all to keep going to our shit 9 to 5s.
Food banks shouldnt need to exist, our systems have failed the most vulnerable of us.
Good luck out there.
I don’t agree with the UBI but I see why it’s coming to that. The power the government is going to have over its people is not going to be good!
Better than starving to death, if you are starving.
Remember, if you got a steady income of money, you are doing better than a whole fucking lot of people out there, and those people who arent on the street are also struggling.
Ki... I mean tax the billionaires properly (not this 1% maybe shit), spread the wealth so people can get their basic needs met at minimum, which circulates the money, which is needed for an economy (bozos money dont do shit sitting there just making more money).
"Ohhh but landlords will just increase rent by the UBI amount!!!!!" People cry.
No the fuck they won't, because the people WILL say fuck that and you will see some landlords uhhhhhhh retire.
Nah you don't sound ungrateful at all. And no, I don't end up using all of it but I end up giving it away to others in my community so it doesn't go to waste. I don't like tinned tomato anything but the food bank naturally ends up being given a ton which they pass onto us. So I try to use what I can but still end up with more than I need.
The canned veggies, chickpeas etc are ok though. Great as an emergency stash of veg if I accidently run out of frozen veg.
I used the cream of mushroom once and it was disgustingly salty, idk how anyone can eat that, I had to water it down soooo much!
I think for where I am sometimes it's also obvious when the donated foods are from couponers who bought 15+ of one item cos of a great deal. I'm in couponing groups and I've often recognized certain food items that were previously a good deal lol
As someone who grew up using it as a kid, I'm so grateful for random pantry stuff because we got tomatoes and canned tuna every damn week and my mom would make tomatoe sandwiches or tuna sandwiches and to this day, I can't stand mayo and tuna/tomatoes together. Those premade bags for $10 at the grocery store make me very uncomfortable because I wouldn't to live on that regularly.
Whenever I can, I give nice stuff or stuff I actually like (I don't just like nice stuff, hehe). Except school's food bank runs, usually whatever I thought I'd like but didn't goes in. At least not something completely awful. Someone else might actually like it.
Last time I got a food hamper I recieved a cam of jack maceral in tomato sauce ... I have no idea what to do with it nor have I ever seen it before. Im also unwilling to open it to taste it becuase if I don't like it it'll jist go to waste. Besides that I uave a can of cream of mushroom soul left tjat I plan to use soon.
We figured people would be getting a bunch of things that may be unappetizing so we donate $50 a month to the foodbank. But of I needed the good bank I’d 100% use garbanzo beans.
I guess I got lucky with the food bank in 2000, although I can see how people who have to rely on it long term get diabetes. So much KD, peanut butter and bread. Later on, I too would donate better items (now it's monetary donations) because being poor sucks.