In-Kind Donation Options

MOWOCNC will be using the SWAP guidelines to create healthier more nutritious shelf-stable food bags for our recipients. SWAP is a stoplight nutrition system that ranks foods based on levels of saturated fat, sodium and added sugars because these nutrients are linked with increased risk of chronic diseases. We respectfully request items that are low in saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars and that items be easy to open (pop-tops, small jars, etc. Please no cans requiring a can opener). Please see recommendations below for donating a full bag or specific items. See also our rules of thumb below the list.

Full Shelf-stable Food Bag:

  • 4 Protein Based Low Sodium Entrées
    • Examples: pop-top cans, packets, or easy open containers of tuna fish, shredded chicken, chicken-noodle soup, beef stew, shelf-stable meals, Vienna sausages, beanie weenies, black or pinto beans, etc.
  • 2-3 Sides
    • Examples: cooked rice, canned potatoes, canned vegetables (corn, peas, green beans)
  • Small Jar of Creamy Peanut Butter (16 oz or smaller) or individual cups.
    • Larger jars, while more economical, are too heavy and too difficult to maneuver.
  • Small Jar of Seedless Jam or Jelly
  • Box of Crackers (Saltine or Ritz)
  • 2-3 Soft Granola or Cereal Bars
    • Examples: Nutri-grain Bars, Cliff Bars
  • 2-3 Small Containers of Fruit or Fruit/Vegetable Juice Blends
  • 2-3 Individual Fruit Cups packed in Juice
  • 2-3 Individual Packets of Oatmeal and/or Grits

Individual items:

  • Toilet Paper (We will split packages to distribute to more recipients.)
  • Paper Towels (We will split packages to distribute to more recipients.)
  • Tissues
  • Low Sodium Entrées such as
    • Pop-top Cans or Foil Packs of Tuna, Chicken
    • Pop-top Cans of Soups or Stews, etc. (No cans that require a can-opener, please.)
    • Shelf-stable meals
    • Black or Pinto beans
  • Soft Granola or Cereal Bars
  • Small Jars of Smooth Peanut Butter
  • Small Jars of Seedless Jam or Jelly
  • Individual Fruit Cups in Juice
  • Instant Oatmeal and/or Grits
  • Small Containers of Fruit or Fruit/Vegetable Juice
  • Fig Newtons
  • Crackers (saltines/ritz/wheat)
  • Peanut Butter Crackers

Liquid Nutrition (distributed upon request)

  • Ensure or Boost (Vanilla is the most requested flavor. Please avoid chocolate.)