12 Comments

  1. I think this is a really great idea. I do not routinely give to food banks, not because I don’t want to, but because I just don’t think about it. This is a really easy, cost efficient way to add this into your budget. I think I will try it and look for a food bank to give to.

  2. I Love this! I regularly stock up on toiletries I find on clearance to donate to our local groups. I just unloaded a decent sized bags of shampoos, shave creams and deodorants last night, I love finding a good deal and getting a little extra to give to someone in need. LOVED this post!

    • That’s such a good point about the toiletries. I will definitely have to add this to my shopping lists! I have a coworker who is very involved with a homeless shelter in the city, and I just gave her all my little travel-size toiletries. I always collect them, but when I was decluttering, I realized how absolutely pointless that habit was.

  3. Hannah

    Diapers and hygiene items are my top pick since they are in high demand and most food banks around here only get them through donations (although some of the pregnancy and childcare charities do manage to swing some good deals). Most food banks have agreements with organizations like second hand harvest or local grocery chains where they can buy food for about 10% of retail prices, so if I don’t have diapers, I just give cash.

  4. I LOVE this post. It’s so important to think about those who can’t afford the basic necessities, so I’m glad you’re starting this discussion. I’ve volunteered a lot at food banks, and they’ve often said that the best thing we can donate is cash, so we mostly stick to that now. BUT, I always grab the little travel shampoos and soaps at hotels and donate those to a local women’s shelter, and if I’m going to buy something that’s on sale for two-for-one, I’ll grab the second and donate that. These things cost me nothing, and are such a no-brainer. Back in my couponing days, I would do a lot more, since the best deals are had when you buy in massive bulk. I’d sometimes get 10 toothpastes for a dollar, and donate seven of them, for example. We’ve moved away from couponing since it mostly applies to processed junk food, but occasionally if I see a coupon that combines with a sale to make something close to free, I’ll buy it to donate.

    • It’s great to talk to another reformed couponer! Thank you for your kind words about the post. It has served me well, as my school just launched an impromptu food drive this week and I already had a shelf full of items to give. Plus, I figure if even one other person sees this and considers donating at “off peak” times, I’ll have done a little bit of good.

  5. Katelynne

    I love doing this! If there’s a sale on like pasta sauce or tuna or tuna snackpacks I always pick up a couple more than I need and drop them in the bin as I go out. It’s so simple, translates into savings on my bill too, and it’s helps people! So good! Great post!

  6. Love this “Open jar, insert spoon, find happiness.”

    Your kind heart is clear- and thank you for bringing this issue to more people’s attention and being thoughtful enough to include sanitary products. They can make a huge difference by not ruining other clothing and allowing women more freedom to get around and pursue work without so much worry about taking frequent breaks to check for leaks.

    • Ha! Thanks, Julie! I’m so easy to please when it comes to food 🙂

      I also just reached out to my local food bank to see if they accept OTC medicine. I try to restock our medicine cabinet when I see sales (well before cold season!), and it occurred to me how horribly expensive that can be!

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