We are happy to take your surplus food and provide it to someone in need. However, in order to give our clients food of the highest quality and nutritional value, we try to limit the amount of foods with refined grains, solid fats, trans fats, added sugars, and high sodium levels we distribute.

Please help us support the health and wellness in our community by following the following guidelines:

• Canned goods (vegetables, fruits, soups, meats, beans, etc.):
• Low sodium, low fat, lite syrup, and no added sugar items are preferred

• Chicken or vegetable broth and boxed meals (complete dinners, pasta meals, etc.)
• Low sodium, low fat, and reduced calorie meals are preferred

• Fruit juice, dried fruit, and trail mixes:
• “100% juice” and/or “no sugar added” preferred

• Grains:
• Whole Grains (“whole wheat” or “whole corn”) are preferred over white or enriched grains. Good examples are:
• Whole grain cold cereal with low sugar (toasted oats, bran flakes, shredded wheat)
• Hot cereal without sugar (oatmeal, cream of wheat, grits)
• Brown or wild rice
• Whole grain pasta
• Quinoa
• Whole grain crackers and rice cakes
• Low fat and/or unsalted popcorn
• Granola bars
• Milk
• Low-fat, shelf-stable or boxed soy/rice milk are preferred

In addition, please limit donations of:

• Sugary drinks (pop, energy or sports drinks, sweetened teas, fruit-flavored drinks)
• Unhealthy snacks (chips, cookies, cakes, pastries, and other foods high in fat, sodium, sugar, and calories)
• Candy

Manna Food Project will not accept the following items:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Tobacco products
• Baby food or formula
• Home canned, vacuum-packed, or pickled foods
• Food in soiled containers
• Dented or rusty canned goods
• Food in open or torn containers
• Products with missing labels
• Food with an “off” odor

As a general rule of thumb, you should not donate food items unless you would consider them worthy of consuming yourself.