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Food Pantry Donation Guide

While Central Rivers Farmshed is not a food pantry, we partner with local pantries in our communities to aide in food assistance.

 

When giving to a food pantry, there are actions you can take to ensure that your donations, whether during the holidays, a school food drive or an act of kindness have the biggest impact. Donating nourishing, healthy foods allow recipients to have all the nutrients they need. Prioritizing the incorporation of foods that are allergen free and culturally appropriate better ensure your donation is equitable to all using the pantry. 

 

Everyone has the right to food that they will enjoy and satisfies physical hunger. Taking time to be mindful and meaningful in your donation will benefit others in more ways than one.

Call or visit pantry websites to learn about what specific pantries are asking for, how and where to donate and information about making a monetary donation.

 

Below is guidance from FoodWise and Wood County about widely accepted food donations at pantries.

Also featured is guidance from the UWSP Cupboard, which provides food to current University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point students who need emergency or supplemental food. 

Fruits

  • Canned- in 100% juice, not heavy syrup

  • Dried fruits- no sugar added

    • Examples: Applesauce, pears, peaches, apples

 

Vegetables

  • Canned- dark greens, starchy vegetables, beans

    • Examples: Collard greens, corn, beets, tomato juice, peas

  • Dried beans

 

Whole Grains foods*

  • Examples: Bread, pasta, tortillas, crackers, cereals

*first ingredient should read whole grains

 

Perishable items (check if accepted by pantry)

  • Fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables

  • Skim milk

  • ​Low sugar yogurt​

 

Meat/plant protein

  • Canned meats

    • Chicken, tuna, sardines

  • Nuts and Seeds

    • Almonds, peanut/nut butter, pumpkin seeds, cashews 

 

Extra items to donate include 

  • Spaghetti sauce

  • Bouillon cubes

  • Ketchup

  • Coffee and tea

  • maple syrup without added sugar 

  • Pickles

  • Salsa

  • Salad dressing with little and no fat

ethinic foods to dontate.png

Top food allergens can be viewed here. Donating products that are allergy friendly protects the health and satisfies the hunger of those with food allergies.

 

Avoid donating:

  • Foods that are: dented, expired, opened, canned from home, or containing infant formula.

 

Monetary and holiday donations:

  • Accepted in some cases to buy specific foods for pantry recipients.

  • Desired food may change around the holidays, so if you are donating at this time, please check their website to see what they are asking for.

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Popular foods donated in Wood County can be viewed here.

Information to donate to University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point, The Cupboard, can be viewed here.

 

Food donations can be dropped off on the lower level of the Dreyfus University Center located at 1015 Reserve Street, Suite 050. Office hours are Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 

Monetary donations can be dropped off or mailed to UWSP Foundation located at 2100 Main Street, Suite 134. Online donations can be made here: https://give.uwsp.edu/give-now. Simply select the designation “Other Specific Fund” and list The Cupboard or student food pantry. 

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