Guidelines for Filling a Blessing Box

Take what you need, give what you can!

Purchase canned food with pull rings when available for easy opening or include small handheld can openers

Some items may be compromised during extreme temperatures, especially during the heat of summer.

Consider Donating These Healthier Options:
Grains
Whole grain pasta and rice
Pancake mix
Granola bars, cereal and instant oatmeal packets
Whole grain crackers
Popcorn
Fruits and Vegetables
Dried fruit, no added sugar
Individually packaged fruit cups, in 100% juice or water
Canned vegetables, reduced sodium
Pasta sauce, no sugar added
Salsa
Proteins
Dried beans, peas or lentils
Canned beans, low-sodium
Canned tuna, salmon, chicken packed in water, low sodium
Peanut butter or other nut butter, no sugar added
Canned soups, low sodium
Household and Hygiene Items
Can openers and small kitchen utensils
Personal hygiene supplies such as shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, feminine care products
Laundry supplies
Toilet paper
Diapers and wipes
Sunscreen (in summer)
Hats/gloves (in winter)

Items to Avoid:
Donated items must fit in the box and be new and in the original well-sealed, intact package to deter pests and contamination. Do not donate:
Open or partially used items
Unlabeled cans or packages
Homemade or home canned foods
Items packaged in glass
Rusty, dented, bent, leaking or bulging cans
Any packaged food with damaged tamper-resistant seals or damaged/torn packaging
Foods past the ‘best by,’ ‘use by,’ or ‘sell by’ date
Sharps (razors, needles, etc.)
Chemicals (harsh or dangerous cleaners)
Alcohol and age-restricted items
Perishable items including meats, eggs, fresh breads, fruits, vegetables, etc. (these can spoil easily especially during extreme temperature changes or get contaminated by animals or insects).