Giving Tuesday Gifts that Make a Difference

You can purchase gifts to support causes, educate and foster awareness, and show you care about a loved one's health. These gifts make a difference in a person's life. The gifts listed below are just samples of what is available. Please check the websites to view the entire catalog.

Donate to a Food Bank

A Guide to Practical and/or Healthy Food Staples to your Local Food Bank.

Breakfast Foods to Donate
Whole Grain Cereal
Rolled Oats
Pancake Mix
Baby Cereal
Syrup

Lunch and Dinner Foods to Donate
Tuna Fish
Canned Chicken
Peanut Butter
No-Nut Butter
Jelly
Whole grain pasta
Brown Rice
Canned Beans
Dry Beans
Canned Vegetables (low sodium/no salt)
Canned Fruit (light syrup/in own juices)
Pasta Sauce
Condiments
Dry Goods – Sugar, Flour, Salt, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Spices
Baby Food

Snack Foods to Donate
Applesauce
Raisins
Dry Fruit
Granola Bars
Whole Grain Crackers
Trail Mix
Nuts

Fresh Foods (Not All Food Banks Offer)
Fresh Vegetables
Fresh Fruit
Yogurt
Milk
Eggs
Bread
Frozen Vegetables

What not to donate to a food bank

The number one rule to remember is this: if your donation is perishable, i.e., it’s something with a limited shelf life if not refrigerated, food banks won’t accept it. But there are other categories of food that you can’t donate.

Items needing refrigeration: Food like produce, dairy, and meat can spoil quickly, and your local food bank may require the refrigerator or freezer space needed to keep these items fresh. Many food banks work directly with farmers, retailers, restaurants, and other companies to source these perishable foods for donation. 

Expired food: When considering what to donate, think about what you’d be comfortable serving your family. Chances are, you don’t eat food past its “use-by” or “sell-by” date, so avoid donating anything past those dates to food banks as it could be unsafe to eat.

Leftovers: While sharing the bountiful food from big meals like Thanksgiving may be tempting, keeping leftovers for the family is best. To ensure the people they serve are safe, food banks can’t accept leftovers or anything made in personal kitchens because they aren’t individually sealed. The food bank can’t verify the ingredients or preparation process.

Food with packaging concerns: This includes food with damaged packaging, such as dented or bloated cans, packaging that is already open, or even items in glass containers, which can shatter and cause food safety concerns for any other food they’re stored near. A good rule of thumb is if you wouldn't consider buying it new, don't donate it.

Baked goods: Like leftovers, food banks can’t confirm how your baked goods were made or their ingredients, so they can’t be donated. However, food banks often have relationships with local restaurants or bakeries that donate extra food appropriately labeled and handled to nearby pantries, soup kitchens, or shelters.

Just a note: You can ‘clean out your cabinets’ and donate, and some food banks can use the food after it is expired, but think of the Golden Rule. Would you want someone to give YOU their expired food? It’s better than wasting it, but be gracious and loving.

Finding a Charity, You Can Trust
Charity Navigator

Shop UNICEF

American Cancer Society

Feeding America

The Humane Society of the United States Shops

National Nutrition Month Catalog

and more...

Gifts to Support a Cause

 Shop UNICEF

UNICEF Cards and Gifts

American Cancer Society Store

Feeding America

The Humane Society of the United States Shops

The Humane Society is the nation's largest animal protection organization. They work to reduce suffering and improve the lives of all animals by advocating for better laws, investigating animal cruelty, encouraging corporations to adopt animal-friendly policies, conducting disaster relief and animal rescue, and providing direct care for thousands of animals at our sanctuaries, emergency shelters, wildlife rehabilitation centers, and mobile veterinary clinics.

Gifts to Educate and Foster Awareness

Books by Dietitians
 Dietitians-Online Books by RDNs 

National Nutrition Month®  at the
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

 Check out the National Nutrition Month® catalog for exciting products featuring the Eat Right Campaign.

 Perfect for colleagues and clients alike!

International Day of Charity and Hunger Action Month

 Hunger knows no boundaries — it touches every community in the U.S., including your own.

The International Day of Charity is observed annually on 5 September. This day was chosen in order to commemorate the anniversary of the passing away of Mother Teresa, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 "for work undertaken in the struggle to overcome poverty and distress, which also constitute a threat to peace." It was declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012.

The prime purpose of the International Day of Charity is to raise awareness and provide a common platform for charity-related activities all over the world for individuals, charitable, philanthropic, and volunteer organizations for their own purposes on the local, national, regional, and international level.

A charity can alleviate the worst effects of humanitarian crises, and supplement public services in health care, education, housing, and child protection.

The following is a summary of the information found on the Feeding America Website. 

September is Hunger Action Month™, when Feeding America and member food banks ask everyone in America to take action to fight hunger in their community, all month long. Hunger Action Month is your opportunity to join a movement that has a real and lasting impact on our effort to feed more Americans than ever before. Whether it’s by advocating and raising awareness, making donations, or volunteering, you can find the way that’s right for you to make a difference during Hunger Action Month. Together, we can solve hunger.

Feeding America is a nationwide network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs that provide food and services to people each year. Together, we are the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief organization. Our network serves virtually every community in all 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico.

The process of getting food to hungry Americans requires a dynamic infrastructure and sophisticated management. Feeding America secures donations from national food and grocery manufacturers, retailers, shippers, packers and growers and from government agencies and other organizations. Feeding America then moves donated food and grocery product to member food banks.

The food banks, in turn, distribute food and grocery items through food pantries and meal programs that serve families, children, seniors, and others at risk of hunger. Last year alone, the Feeding America network distributed more than 3 billion meals to people in need.

Feeding America nationwide network of food banks also supports programs that improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses, and government all have a role in ending hunger. 

Hunger can affect anyone. Feeding America has identified groups at risk, including young children, hunger in the suburbs, rural hunger, senior hunger, and the working poor.

Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?

Special on Childhood Hunger
Kate is a fictional character who represents the very situation in which many children find themselves when their parents lose their jobs. Find out how you can help this Hunger Action Month http://hungeractionmonth.org/

Childhood hunger hinders a young person's ability to learn. They are more likely to suffer from poverty as an adult. Scientific evidence suggests that hungry children are less likely to become productive citizens. Insufficient nutrition puts children at risk for illness and weakens their immune system. The immature immune systems of young children, ages 0 – 5, make them especially vulnerable to nutritional deprivation and as a result, the ability to learn, grow, and fight infections are adversely affected.

Please find out how you can help during
 Hunger Action Month http://hungeractionmonth.org/

National Food Bank Week How we can make a difference?

Resource. Feeding America

In many ways, America is the land of plenty. But for 1 in 6 people in the United States, hunger is a reality. Many people believe that the problems associated with hunger are confined to small pockets of society, certain areas of the country, or certain neighborhoods, but the reality is much different.

Right now, millions of Americans are struggling with hunger. These are often hard-working adults, children, and seniors who simply cannot make ends meet and are forced to go without food for several meals, or even days.

It’s time to educate ourselves about the causes of hunger in America. 

Feeding America network of 200 food banks across the country are first-class organizations in the fight against hunger. They are more than just distribution centers, they are core to providing hope to the communities they serve.

The following is a summary of the information found on the Feeding America Website. 

Nearly 49 million people in America face hunger. That is 1 in 6 of the U.S. population – including more than 1 in 5 children. Don’t let their struggles go unheard. Join the Feeding America network of more than 200 food banks and Speak Out Against Hunger. 

Feeding America is the nation's leading domestic hunger-relief charity. Their mission is to feed America's hungry through a nationwide network of member food banks and engage our country in the fight to end hunger.

Feeding America provides emergency food assistance to an estimated 37 million low-income people annually, a 46 percent increase from 25 million since Hunger in America 2010.

Among members of Feeding America, 74 percent of pantries, 65 percent of kitchens, and 54 percent of shelters reported that there had been an increase since 2006 in the number of clients who come to their emergency food program sites.

Hunger can affect anyone. Feeding America has identified groups at risk, including young children, hunger in the suburbs, rural hunger, senior hunger, and the working poor.

Special on Childhood Hunger
Kate is a fictional character who represents the very situation in which many children find themselves when their parents lose their jobs. Find out how you can help.  http://www.feedingamerica.org/ways-to-give/

Childhood hunger hinders a young person's ability to learn. They are more likely to suffer from poverty as an adult. Scientific evidence suggests that hungry children are less likely to become productive citizens. Insufficient nutrition puts children at risk for illness and weakens their immune system. The immature immune systems of young children, ages 0 – 5, make them especially vulnerable to nutritional deprivation and as a result, the ability to learn, grow, and fight infections is adversely affected.

Please find out how you can help during National Food Bank Week. 

September is Hunger Action Month

To learn more how you can help, visit http://hungeractionmonth.org/

The following is a summary of the information found on the Feeding America Website. 

September is Hunger Action Month™, when Feeding America and member food banks ask everyone in America to take action to fight hunger in their community, all month long. Hunger Action Month is your opportunity to join a movement that has a real and lasting impact on our effort to feed more Americans than ever before. Whether it’s by advocating and raising awareness, making donations, or volunteering, you can find the way that’s right for you to make a difference during Hunger Action Month. Together, we can solve hunger.

Feeding America is a nationwide network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs that provide food and services to people each year. Together, we are the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief organization. Our network serves virtually every community in all 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico.

The process of getting food to hungry Americans requires a dynamic infrastructure and sophisticated management. Feeding America secures donations from national food and grocery manufacturers, retailers, shippers, packers and growers and from government agencies and other organizations. Feeding America then moves donated food and grocery product to member food banks.

The food banks, in turn, distribute food and grocery items through food pantries and meal programs that serve families, children, seniors, and others at risk of hunger. Last year alone, the Feeding America network distributed more than 3 billion meals to people in need.

Feeding America nationwide network of food banks also supports programs that improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses, and government all have a role in ending hunger.
Hunger can affect anyone. Feeding America has identified groups at risk, including young children, hunger in the suburbs, rural hunger, senior hunger, and the working poor.

Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?

Special on Childhood Hunger
Kate is a fictional character who represents the very situation in which many children find themselves when their parents lose their jobs. Find out how you can help this Hunger Action Month http://hungeractionmonth.org/

Childhood hunger hinders a young person's ability to learn. They are more likely to suffer from poverty as an adult. Scientific evidence suggests that hungry children are less likely to become productive citizens. Insufficient nutrition puts children at risk for illness and weakens their immune system. The immature immune systems of young children, ages 0 – 5, make them especially vulnerable to nutritional deprivation and as a result, the ability to learn, grow, and fight infections are adversely affected.

Please find out how you can help during Hunger Action Month http://hungeractionmonth.org/

Gifts that Make a Difference

There are gifts you can purchase to support causes; gifts to educate and foster awareness and gifts to show you care about a loved one's health. These gifts make a difference in a person's  life. The gifts listed below is just samples of what is available. Please check the websites to view the entire catalogs.

Shop UNICEF

American Cancer Society

Feeding America

The Humane Society of the United States Shops

National Nutrition Month Catalog

Produce for Better Health Foundation Catalog: Fruits and Veggies Matter

and more....

Gifts to Support a Cause

 Shop UNICEF

Nutrition Gifts
UNICEF Cards and Gifts

UNICEF 2011 Children's Art Wall Calendar

Nursery Tales Around the World Book

Kids Around the World

 

American Cancer Society Store

Daffodil Bear by Boyds, Limited Edition

Zippered Tote- Purple

 

Feeding America

Looking for a meaningful holiday gift for a friend or family member this year? Honor them by giving a gift in their name to feed families facing hunger across America. Plus, your donation is 100% tax deductible. If you would like to give your gift over the phone please call 1-877-902-7552. Team members are available to take your call Monday through Saturday 8am - 11pm EST, and Sunday noon - 9pm EST. All tribute cards will be placed in the mail within 2 business days of your donation and mailed via First Class postage with the U. S. Postal Service. Give Hope, Spread Joy

The Humane Society
of the United States Shops

The Humane Society is the nation's largest animal protection organization. They work to reduce suffering and improve the lives of all animals by advocating for better laws; investigating animal cruelty; encouraging corporations to adopt animal-friendly policies; conducting disaster relief and animal rescue; and providing direct care for thousands of animals at our sanctuaries, emergency shelters, wildlife rehabilitation centers, and mobile veterinary clinics.

Take Me Home Tee

Take Me Home features a colorful crew of fur babies patiently waiting to be next in line for a warm and loving home. Created by passionate animal artist Marie Mason, this tee was inspired by the ongoing and daunting task of finding loving homes for countless four-legged friends. These colorful graphics are featured on a soft cotton tee that is one in a series of rescue-inspired tees.

The Dog Store

Kool Dogz Ice Treat MakerTM. Create your dogs own mouth-watering snack by simply filling the bucket kit with water and adding his own favorite toys and treats. Once frozen, simply remove from bucket and place on stand with grounded extension rod. What a clever way to keep your pooch hydrated and happy for hours of outside play!

Superb Seat Belt/Harness. Buckle up for safety! Keep your pet from becoming a dangerous projectile in the event of a collision or a dangerous distraction to the driver.

The Cat Store

Desk Kitty Caddy. This Desk Kitty Caddy is the ideal solution for any office or home where cats and computers need to live in harmony. To protect against losing data due to curious paws, the occasional spill, or to reclaim your full workstation, clamp this comfy bed to your desk or simply place caddy on top of it. Cats are drawn to the soft cushion bed and the high walls are perfect for nesting. You'll rest assured knowing that your valuable data will not be fair game for your kitty's next keyboard adventure.

Gifts to Educate and Foster Awareness

National Nutrition Month Catalog

 Check out the 2011 National Nutrition Month® catalog for an exciting array of products featuring the vivid Eat Right with Color graphic. Perfect for colleagues and clients alike!

Hand Sanitizer
U.S. made 2 oz instant hand sanitizer. Perfect for the car, office, schools, and is refillable. Aloe moisturizer and citrus scent. Laminated full color label shows your “Eat Right” pride

Classroom Kit

Includes 2 large Posters, 100 Kid Stickers, 30 Pencils, 30 Bookmarks, Reproducible Masters, and a Teacher's Guide. Designed to get kids interested in nutrition and physical activity.

Classic T-shirt
Our 2011 white t-shirt is sure to become one of your favorites. Made of heavy 100% preshrunk cotton with seamless ribbed collar and double-needle stitched hemmed sleeves and bottom for better wear. Small now available — great for kids! S, M, L, XL, XXL (add $3 for each XXL)

Brown Laminated 100% Recycled Shopper
Reusable shopping bag is perfect for all your grocery essentials. Large main compartment and generous gusset for maximum capacity. 23 1/2" shoulder straps. This product is made from 100% PET recycled fabric. 13" x 15" x 8"

Produce for Better
Health Foundation Catalog

Fruit and Veggie Color Champions Plush Character and Activity Book
The Color Champions™ come alive with these soft plush characters!
Now you can have your very own set- collect all 5 characters.
They come in their own clear backpack with 2 activity books,
The Quest for Color! and Mystery of the Color Clues!
Puppets are approx. 6" to 8"

For questions or assistance,
call M-F 8:30am-6pm EST (888)391-2100.

 Gifts made possible
through Corporate Sponsors

Kraft Foods: Huddle to Fight Hunger  

Kraft Foods is gathering resources, voices and communities through the Huddle to Fight Hunger program. With the help of some of the world’s best known brands, as well as generous Americans, Kraft Foods will give as many as 20 million meals or more to Feeding America in 2010.

 

HUDDLE TO FIGHT HUNGER: The Playbook

Gifts to Show You Care
About a Loved One's Health