A night of music and merriment.  This is THE event of the year that everyone flocks to.  Christmas carols, poignant performances by Peggy Lebo, Ric Henry, Eric Hellmers and Rev. Roby, hilarity, (Dorothy Darling has agreed to reprise her “Santa Baby” performance!), prayer and inspiration.  I wonder who will be our Partridge this year???  A sure bet for putting you in the Holiday Spirit.

Here are the top foods needed by food banks this year:

• Proteins. Canned meats such as tuna, chicken or fish are high in protein and low in saturated fat. Peanut butter is rich in protein and high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated oils, the “good fats.” These are among the most expensive foods — too expensive for food banks to buy large quantities.
• Soups and stews. They are filling, particularly the “chunky” soups, and contain liquid for hydration. In addition, soups can be filled with protein and vegetables.
• Rice and pasta. “They’re really staples,” Nowak says. In addition, grain-based foods, such as pasta, are a good source of fiber and complex carbohydrates.
• Cereal, including oatmeal. Breakfast cereals can be an additional source of protein, and most cereals today include a variety of vitamins and minerals.
• Canned vegetables, including tomatoes and tomato sauce. Studies indicate that canned vegetables have about the same nutritional value as fresh vegetables.
• Canned or dried beans and peas. A staple of diets as early as 6700 B.C., beans are a low-fat source of protein and fiber.
• Canned fruits. Only a small amount of vitamin C is lost in the canning process, making these a healthy choice.
• Fruit juice (canned, plastic or boxed). Make sure it’s 100% juice.
• Prepared box mixes such as macaroni and cheese or Hamburger Helper.
• Shelf-stable milk. This includes dehydrated milk, canned evaporated milk and instant breakfasts.

 
What food banks don’t need:

Food bank officials are loath to say no to any donations, but let common sense prevail.

“As far as least helpful donations, out-of-date and glass items are least desirable,” says Maryann Brunner of the Oregon Food Bank.

Other problematic items:

• Perishables. The items could go bad before they’re given to a client.
• Homemade foods. That plate of homemade cookies is a nice thought, but there’s no way for the food bank folks to know the contents or the date they were made.
• Rusty or unlabeled cans. Would you feed your family out of rusty or unidentifiable cans?
• Noncommercial canned items. Again, the food bank has no way of determining quality.
• Baby food. Some food banks will accept canned or dry baby food and formula, but small glass containers are not accepted. Check with your local food bank.
• Alcoholic beverages or soda.
• Open packages. Do we need to explain this one? Give them the good stuff.