National Canned Food Month - United Way of Westchester and Putnam

National Canned Food Month 2024

Community Canned Food Drive

February 24, 2024 - March 2, 2024

United Way of Westchester and Putnam is proud to announce our inaugural community canned food drive in honor of National Canned Food Month (NCFM). NCFM is an observance held in the United States during the month of February. To raise awareness about canned food benefits, such as affordability, convenience, and nutritional value, we are collecting and donating canned foods to local pantries in Westchester and Putnam Counties. With the help of our community, we can fight hunger. Individuals and organizations may participate by donating canned foods, promoting the canned food drive, or volunteering to sort, count and drop-off donations.

Join us and support those experiencing hunger within our community! Contributions will impact numerous individuals and families facing food insecurity. We strongly encourage the donation of healthy and nutritious canned goods at participating Westchester and Putnam County libraries. The drive will take place between Saturday, February 24th and Saturday, March 2nd. Donors can drop off donations that week during library hours of operation. A full list of participating libraries and opportunities can be found below.

Donations Needed

Acceptable Donations

1. Canned Vegetables: Corn, green beans, peas, carrots, mixed vegetables, etc. 

2. Canned Fruits: Peaches, pears, pineapple, mixed fruit, applesauce, etc. 

3. Canned Proteins: Fish, beef, poultry, pork, spam, beans

4. Canned Sauces, Soups, Stews: Tomato sauce, chicken noodle soup, beef stew, vegetable soup, etc. 

5. Canned Meals: Ravioli, spaghetti, chili, pasta, and other ready-to-eat meals 

6. Other Non-Perishable Items: Rice, pasta, grains (quinoa, oatmeal, couscous, cereal), dried beans(kidney, pinto, black, lentils), cereal, peanut butter or other nut butters (good sources of protein), olive oil and other healthy oils in plastic bottles, condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo, relish, salt, pepper, spices), baby food (jars/cereal), powdered formula, shelf stable milks: evaporated milk, condensed milk, powdered milk, and juices/boxes 

Unacceptable Donations

Please be mindful that we cannot accept the following:  

1. Anything that may make others sick (e.g.: fresh produce, dairy, etc.) 

2. Glass containers 

3. Expired or open/damaged packaging 

4. Leftovers, cooked foods, and used items. 

Select a drop-off location on the map to view the library’s address and hours:

Volunteers Wanted

Locations

Click on a location below to register to volunteer!

Resources

7 Can Soup

A hassle-free, delicious solution for busy days. Enjoy the convenience, versatility, and nutrition of homemade soup in minutes.

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Recipe

Canned Food Uses

Incorporate into a curry or stew dish.
Fold into pasta sauce to disguise extra servings of vegetables.
Add into a pot of broth for a quick soup.
Mix into chili for added texture and nutrients.
Add into a Shepherd's Pie
Fold into fried rice at the end of cooking.