Your participation allows us to support food banks, food education programs, community kitchens and more. These programs not only help people access food but bring people together all year long!
We are incredibly grateful for the thousands of pounds of food items that you have donated! Most donations that come into the food bank are non-perishable. These non-perishable items go a long way to ensure that our neighbours have enough food to eat.
You might be wondering what non-perishable items are used and needed the most. Well, all donations made to the food bank are important, but there are some items that are requested more by food bank clients.
Most requests are for canned fish, pulses (beans and lentils), canned tomatoes and rice.
But why are those items requested more so than others? Here’s a little more about information and some awesome recipes!
Canned Fish
When it comes to non-perishable meat products, canned fish can’t be beat. Fish is high in Omega-3 fatty acids, which aid in brain health, lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. It is also a great source of lean protein, which is essential for cell growth and maintaining one’s muscle tissue. Reduced sodium varieties are preferred as canned fish can contain too much salt for some people. Canned fish can easily be added to salads and pastas for a convenient way of incorporating it into a diet.
For a tuna salad without the mayo and the added health benefits of avocado – try this Avocado Tuna Salad
Make a quick and delicious dinner using items from the pantry with Garlic Salmon Linguine for just 67 cents per serving
Pulses
It’s official! 2016 has been named the year of the pulse. It’s not hard to see why; these economical beans and lentils are nutritional powerhouses. The are extremely high in fibre and vitamins and minerals including zinc, iron, magnesium and B vitamins. Pulses can also reduce “bad cholesterol” which decreases one’s chance for heart attack or stroke. They are also a fantastic source of protein.
Warm up when it’s cold outside by making this super simple Lentil Soup
One of the best canned produce items is canned tomatoes. Unlike other canned produce, canned tomatoes can retain their flavour, allowing them to be used in many recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. These are a great staple for soups, sauces, chili and many other recipes. They are also high in lycopene, which is a powerful antioxidant.
Rice is a very conventional and easy to prepare food item. It is also a great source of vitamins and minerals such as niacin, vitamin D, calcium, fiber, iron, thiamine and riboflavin. These vitamins and minerals promote a healthy body by supporting the immune system and regulating a person’s metabolism. Rice is also a great source of energy.
Impress your family and friends with this Creamy Risotto
Try your hand at making your own Sushi, it is economical and a lot of fun to try!
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