help us build a hamper!
Eating a balanced diet can help provide the energy and nutrients we need to live full, active lives. Our Emergency Food Hampers are built with this in mind, incorporating a combination of protein foods, grain products, and vegetables and fruits. Whenever possible, we focus on including foods that can be combined to create a meal (for example, pasta and tomato sauce).
We believe everyone should have access to good food and a choice of what that looks like. We do our best to offer this to the community, and with your help, we can get better. Imagine what you would like to eat. What would your family would like to eat? We all want choices in how we nourish ourselves and others. That’s where you come in. By keeping these categories in mind when donating food, you’re helping us to build balanced hampers for members of our community.
*We welcome donations of fresh meat, produce, and dairy products. Please contact our office at 306-664-6565 for more details on how to donate these items.
Grain Products
Pasta, rice, oats, & whole-grain cereals
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Grain foods contain important nutrients like carbohydrates, B vitamins, and minerals. Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for our brains and bodies. Whole-grain foods contain more fibre which can help you feel satisfied, and can lower risk of stroke, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.
Protein Foods*
Canned meat & fish, canned beans & lentils, peanut butter, nuts
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Proteins are part of every cell in the body, and they play an important role in building and repairing tissues like muscles, skin, hair, and nails. Protein foods include beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, tofu, meats, poultry, seafood, eggs, and dairy products. Plant-based proteins can provide more fibre and less saturated fat than some other types of protein foods, which can support digestive and heart health.
*We welcome donations of fresh meat and dairy products. Please contact our office for more details on how to donate these items.
Vegetables & Fruits*
Canned vegetables and fruits, applesauce, pasta sauce
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Vegetables and fruits are a rich sources of vitamins, minerals, and fibre. Eating a variety of vegetables and fruits may lower your risk of illnesses such as heart disease. Fresh, frozen, and canned vegetables and fruits all provide valuable energy and nutrients. Consider choosing canned vegetables and fruits with less sodium and added sugar.
*We welcome donations of fresh produce. Please contact our office for more details on how to donate these items.
Prepared Meals & Pantry Items
Canned soups, stews, chili, & other non-perishable prepared meals
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These convenient and nourishing foods can be prepared quickly and with minimal cooking equipment. Consider choosing lower sodium options.
Pantry items, such as cooking oil and flour, also make versatile additions to our hampers. These items are also valuable because they can be used to create multiple meals.
Infant Food & Baby Formula
Infant formula, infant cereals, baby food
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Formula and fortified cereals can be an important source of nutrition for infants. These products are in high demand among the community we serve and can be costly for parents and caregivers who need them.
Special Diet Foods
We gladly accept donations to support a variety of diets, including: gluten-free, low-sugar/diabetic-friendly, plant-based, vegan, Halal, and Kosher foods
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These foods are helpful in serving our community’s diverse dietary needs, including those who may have allergies and intolerances. They include products that are marked with the Halal, Kosher, Gluten-Free, and Vegan/Vegetarian symbols, as well as foods not explicitly marked as such but that fit within these dietary patterns, such as dairy-free milk alternatives.