[barbazoo]

Many charities are very happy with money btw, our local food bank prefers it and cites a 3x factor in “value” compared to food donations due to discount s they get when buying bulk.

Just saying, don’t feel bad for “just” giving money.

[ITB]

If I donate time or things I’m more sure it will be used as I intended.

[me-vs-cat]

Donate all the time you can afford!

Regarding monetary donations, if you believe institutional misuse outweighs efficiency gain, then your area food banks are in a much worse shape than my local area, which I hazard to guess is merely average.

Food banks can do so much more with cash, such as buy fresh produce from local farmers, than they can with your unwanted groceries, usually canned goods. Or if you're buying food specifically intending to donate it, do you really think the average person reading this (and 50% of you reading this are below average) is a better shopper with their $100 than the food bank is with $10,000+? Instead of shopping, spend that time with them, and still donate the same amount you would have spent.

I was surprised when I spent my own time and found out how much further they can stretch each dollar, and often provide healthier food.

[BobaFloutist]

If I donate cash to a food bank I have faith it will be put to better use than my uninformed intentions ever could.