The Helping Shelf List of Suggested Items*

Non-perishable Foods

  • Cereal, granola, oatmeal
  • Pop Tarts
  • Peanut butter, jelly (in plastic)
  • Crackers, rice cakes
  • Cookies, snack crackers
  • Powdered/boxed milk
  • Nuts, dried fruit, raisins
  • Fruit strips, gummies
  • Protein bars, breakfast bars
  • Trail mix, pretzels, popcorn
  • Beef jerky
  • Mac & Cheese boxes
  • Ready meals
  • Boxed/bagged grains, rice, red/white beans, quinoa, grits
  • Pasta (dry or meals)
  • Pasta sauce
  • Applesauce 
  • Baby food
  • Baby formula
  • Coffee, tea, creamer, sweetener
  • Tang, powdered fruit drinks
  • Ramen noodles
  • Tuna or chicken in foil packets
  • Canned meat (Spam, Vienna sausage)
  • Dog & cat food
  • Bread
  • Water
  • Gatorade, fruit drinks
  • Yogurt in pouches
  • Canned Vegetables, fruits, soups, pastas, tuna, chicken, sauces

Personal Care Products

  • Diapers/pull-ups (adult and baby)
  • Baby: wipes, oil, powder, lotion
  • Toothpaste, brushes, dental floss
  • Shaving cream & razors
  • Chapstick, lotion
  • Soap, hand sanitizer
  • Shampoo, conditioner
  • Deodorant
  • Band-aids, first aid kits
  • Feminine sanitary products
  • Aspirin, Ibuprofen 
  • Laundry detergent
  • Sunscreen
  • Sun glasses

Apparel

Summer:

  • Protective hats
  • Shoes, socks, sandals
  • Lightweight clothing
  • New underwear

Winter:

  • Gloves, mittens, scarves
  • Hats, socks, shoes
  • New underwear
  • Insulating outerwear, warm clothes

Paper Products

  • Paper towels, Kleenex, toilet paper
  • Paper plates, plastic utensils, napkins
  • Reusable plastic containers

*Use discretion depending on the season. During winter, glass containers can freeze and break. Severely cold temperatures can also impact canned goods. During summer months, avoid foods or other items that can be impacted by high temperatures.