8 Tips For Donating To The Great Plains Food Bank
It’s always a good time to support your community, but with Giving Hearts Day and other seasonal drives approaching, many people are looking for the best ways to help. To make sure donations have the greatest impact, we connected with Great Plains Food Bank—North Dakota’s only food bank—for updated guidance on what items are most
It’s always a good time to support your community, but with Giving Hearts Day and other seasonal drives approaching, many people are looking for the best ways to help. To make sure donations have the greatest impact, we connected with Great Plains Food Bank—North Dakota’s only food bank—for updated guidance on what items are most needed right now.
Over the years, Great Plains Food Bank has shifted its focus from simply providing food to ensuring access to nutritious, culturally appropriate, and essential household items. In addition to food, the organization distributes hygiene products, diapers, and even pet food—items that are often overlooked but critically important.
Below is an updated guide to help you donate thoughtfully and effectively.
Think Beyond Food
If you’d use it in daily life, chances are someone else could too. Great Plains Food Bank is skilled at finding the right place for a wide range of donated items—even leftover Halloween candy
1. Protein-Rich Foods are a Top Priority
Protein remains one of the most requested categories. These items help families build balanced, filling meals:
- Ground beef
- Chicken (whole, parts, or frozen)
- Halal meats (beef, chicken, lamb)
- Canned tuna or salmon
- Beans (canned or dry)
- Peanut butter and other nut butters
Avoid Glass Containers!
For safety reasons, donations should be packaged in non-glass containers to protect volunteers and staff.
2. Pantry Staples & Baking Supplies
Pantry basics allow families to stretch meals and cook at home. Baking items are especially helpful for households trying to make food last:
- Flour (all-purpose or whole wheat)
- Sugar (granulated, brown, powdered)
- Baking powder and baking soda
- Salt
- Cooking oils (vegetable, canola, olive)
- Pasta and rice
- Canned tomato products (sauce, diced, paste)
- Shelf-stable meals like mac & cheese, soups, and stews
3. Fresh Produce, Dairy & Refrigerated Items
Access to fresh food is a growing priority. Great Plains Food Bank works hard to distribute perishable items safely and efficiently
- Fresh produce
- Canned fruits and vegetables
- Milk (fresh or shelf-stable)
- Shelf-stable milk alternatives (soy, almond, oat)
- Cheese (blocks, shredded, or slices)
- Yogurt (single-serve or multi-pack)
- Butter or margarine
Other Ways To Help
Volunteer: Individuals and groups of many ages can help at the Fargo warehouse
Donate Funds: Monetary donations allow the food bank to purchase exactly what’s needed.
Host a Virtual Food Drive: A great option for workplaces, schools, or families. You can learn more at the Great Plains Food Bank website.
4. Breakfast Items
Breakfast foods are especially helpful for families with children:
- Hot and cold cereal
- Oatmeal packets
- Pancake mix and syrup
5. Women & Children’s Essentials
These items are always in high demand and move quickly through the warehouse:
- Diapers (all sizes)
- Baby wipes
- Baby formula (all types, including specialty formula; must be unopened and unexpired)
- Baby food (cereal, purees, jars, pouches)
- Toddler snacks
Donation Drop-off Locations
Fargo Warehouse: 1720 3rd Ave North, Fargo, ND 58102
Bismarck Warehouse: 1315 South 20th Street, Bismarck, ND 58504
6. Hygiene, Paper & Cleaning Products
These non-food items are rarely covered by assistance programs but are essential for dignity and health:
- Body wash or soap
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Toothpaste and toothbrushes
- Feminine hygiene products (pads, tampons)
- Deodorant
- Lotion
- Paper products and basic cleaning supplies
All hygiene items should be unopened and donated separately from food.
7. Pet Food
One lesser-known but impactful donation: pet food. Great Plains Food Bank offers pet food because many individuals will share their own food with their pets when resources are limited. Supporting pets helps keep families together during hard times.
Great Plains Food Bank
greatplainsfoodbank.org
Facebook | /GreatPlainsFoodBank
Instagram | @greatplainsfoodbank
Linkedin | /greatplainsfoodbank
8. Snacks & Convenience Items
These items are especially useful for kids, seniors, and individuals on the go:
- Single-serve snack items (granola bars, fruit snacks, crackers)
- Trail mix or nuts
- Popcorn
Published February 5, 2026
