I've been asked to donate canned goods to a center that gives food to those in need. I know this may sound stupid, but should I get cans of food that would be more filling, or get foods most people probably won't get like pineapple chunks, fruit cocktale, etc? Normally this is not an issue but since funds are tighter this year I have to make smaller & better choices. I guess I could always get a mix. What are your thoughts?

I would purchase what is on sale, but that is because I don't have very much to spend.

I try to donate the most nutritional that I can find. Fruits (in water not heavy syrup) and vegetables are always welcome. Canned beans offer wonderful protein as well.

I always try to get foods that will feed at least 3 people. Last fall I was able to get large cans of sweet potatoes, a large can of tuna...large can of spagetti sauce, and a box of spagetti...a big box of oatmeal is also a good filling item.
Just remember that when you pick out things, that you don't want things that call for extra ingredients...like a cake mix...it needs oil and eggs.

Things they usually do not get are canned meats, tuna, chicken, corned beef, ham. Meat is the thing they can not afford. Pasta pasta sauce with meat, powdered milk.

We have several 99 cent stores here, as well as one that sells stuff cheaper. When my club collects stuff like that we make regular runs to them at every pay period and wind up with a lot of good food.

Wow, I just saw an ad for Vienna Sausage, 3 cans for a $1.00. I don't eat them, but my father loved to snack on them. Does this sound like something they could use?

Yes. If you are talking about giving directly to the homeless, they have no where to cook. If it is going to a shelter that does the cooking and serving, pasta, sauce and such is great.

i think whatever is nutritious is a good choice. usually, the shelters or food banks do the sorting and see that the proper food goes to the proper location.

I hear peanut butter is getting ready to go up in price. If you could find some on sale - that is always a great staple for children & adults.