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Top 5 needs for food banks right now

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/03/top-5-needs-for-food-banks-right-now.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, November 3rd 2025 at 21:48 GMT by WOWT.com
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Top 5 Food Bank Needs Right Now: A Community Call to Action

In a recent feature on WOWT’s website, local residents were urged to help meet the rising demand at food banks across the region. The article, published on November 4, 2025, highlights the most critical items that food banks are short on, explains why these items matter, and provides practical ways for individuals and businesses to contribute. With the holiday season and ongoing economic uncertainty, the urgency of these shortages has never been greater. Below is a concise rundown of the article’s key points and the additional resources linked throughout the piece.

1. Canned and Shelf‑Stable Foods

Food banks are currently experiencing a “big gap” in canned goods—especially staples such as beans, soups, and canned vegetables. These items have a long shelf life, are inexpensive for donors, and are a primary food source for many families who rely on bulk food pantries. The article notes that canned goods account for roughly 30 % of the total inventory that food banks can redistribute.

Why It Matters
Canned foods keep the pantry’s shelf stable, reduce waste, and ensure that families have a consistent supply of protein and vegetables even when fresh produce is scarce.

How to Help
Donors can drop off canned goods at the Food Bank of the Midwest’s main distribution hub on Main Street or use the mobile pickup service that partners with local grocery stores. A link to the food bank’s “Canned Goods Request” page (https://foodbankofmidwest.org/canned-need) lists preferred brands and sizes.

2. Fresh Produce and Perishables

While canned foods can keep long, fresh produce cannot. The article stresses that fresh fruits, vegetables, and dairy are in dire need. Several grocery stores in the region have established “produce donation” programs that accept unsold but edible items. Food banks also emphasize the importance of donating items such as carrots, apples, bananas, and milk.

Why It Matters
Perishables provide essential vitamins and minerals that canned foods lack. They also support healthier eating habits for children and adults alike.

How to Help
Residents are encouraged to drop fresh items at local farmers’ markets during the “Farmers’ Produce Donation Day” on November 12. The article links to a flyer (https://farmersmarket.org/donate) outlining the donation process and pick‑up times.

3. Protein‑Rich Foods

Proteins such as eggs, canned tuna, chicken breast, and frozen meats are vital for balanced meals. Food banks report that demand for these items has surged as families look for affordable yet nutritious options. The article cites a statistic from the Midwest Food Bank that protein products now make up 22 % of their most requested items.

Why It Matters
Protein helps maintain muscle mass and supports immune function—critical for communities dealing with health disparities.

How to Help
Local grocery chains (e.g., FreshMart, GroceryHub) have installed donation bins next to their deli counters. The article links to a joint press release (https://freshmart.com/foodbank-partnership) that encourages shoppers to leave eggs or canned fish in the bins.

4. Baby and Child‑Specific Items

Many families served by the food bank have young children with particular nutritional needs. Items such as baby formula, baby food jars, and child‑friendly snacks are highly sought after. The article notes that the food bank’s intake form now allows donors to flag baby‑specific items.

Why It Matters
Children need a consistent supply of energy‑dense, nutrient‑rich foods for proper growth. Baby food items are hard to procure from other sources during shortages.

How to Help
The Food Bank of the Midwest offers a “Baby Food Drop‑off” box at the community center on Oak Street. The article includes a link to a donation guide (https://foodbankofmidwest.org/baby-need) that details the best brands and packaging types.

5. Special‑Diet Foods

With rising awareness of food allergies and dietary restrictions, the food bank’s request list now includes gluten‑free products, dairy‑free milk, and low‑sugar snacks. These items are expensive and harder to come by, which creates a significant barrier for families relying on food assistance.

Why It Matters
Special‑diet foods are often the only way for individuals with allergies or chronic conditions to maintain a healthy diet.

How to Help
The article highlights a partnership with a local health clinic that can provide prescription‑grade gluten‑free items. Donations can be made through the clinic’s online portal (https://healthclinic.org/foodbank). The food bank’s website also lists a “Special‑Diet Request Form” that donors can fill out electronically.

Additional Resources and Links

Throughout the article, WOWT provides several hyperlinks to local partners and donation portals. Some of the most useful links include:

• Food Bank of the Midwest – https://foodbankofmidwest.org
• Canned Goods Request – https://foodbankofmidwest.org/canned-need
• Farmers’ Produce Donation Flyer – https://farmersmarket.org/donate
• Baby Food Drop‑off Info – https://foodbankofmidwest.org/baby-need
• Special‑Diet Request Form – https://foodbankofmidwest.org/special-diet
• FreshMart Food Bank Partnership – https://freshmart.com/foodbank-partnership
• Health Clinic Donation Portal – https://healthclinic.org/foodbank

These links provide detailed instructions on how to prepare and drop off donations, as well as ways to organize neighborhood drives. The article concludes with a call to community leaders: “Every item counts,” the reporter notes. “Together, we can ensure that no family in our region goes hungry during these challenging times.”

Take Action Today

If you’re looking to make a difference, start by reviewing the lists above, selecting the items you can donate, and using the provided links to find the nearest drop‑off location. The food banks’ needs are pressing, but with collective effort, the community can bridge the gaps and secure nourishment for all.