I'm not super into donating food, as someone who had to organize/go through all the canned goods donated to the Lock Haven Women's Shelter... just please please donate money.

I agree the food waste is an issue. The food pantries I am talking about though actually work very well and the families that rely on it desperately need it. Neighbors will purposely buy more food than they need so they can donate just bought items (so nothing expired) so their neighbors that can't afford the store can stop and get new food. My mom has talked in length about how much people really are coming together for it. It isn't perfect, and of course there is still waste. But given how it just a small scale neighborhood thing there isn't much organizing since it is small. And since it's not an actual nonprofit organizing there isn't anyone to take money donations. Though for larger groups that have outreach to more than just a few city blocks, absolutely money is more helpful as they have more resources to get people exactly what they need.

I donate to my grandson's Cub Scout Troups Annual Food Drive! It's exciting to see his eyes when he helps chose things out of my pantry!