Before you shop: Donation tips for the Atlantic Superstore Holiday Food Drive

This holiday season, Atlantic Superstore wants to help Nova Scotians in need through their annual Holiday Food Drive, which runs in stores across the province until December 24. Knowing that many of you will want to join them in making a difference, we've got four quick tips for thoughtful food donation:

1. Think about the nutritional value.
People want healthy, nutritious food for themselves and their families. Thinking about donating cereal? Pick a low-sugar option. Pasta? Think whole grains. Soup? Find something with low sodium. Food is fuel and everyone deserves good fuel.

2. Helping new parents
Imagine the stress of having a baby and not knowing where their next meal will come from. Infant formula and baby food are always appreciated and go a long way to relieving the worry of parents struggling with food insecurity.

3. Protein, protein, protein!
Protein is a staple for good health, but it’s expensive and hard to keep on the shelves at a food bank. That’s why it’s always on our list of most-needed food items. Think canned meat and fish, canned and dried legumes, ancient grains like quinoa, and peanut butter.

4. Think about your own family
It’s a simple concept, but an important one. Donate items that you’d be happy to feed yourself or your family. Think about what you like to eat when you sit down together at the table.

And remember, financial donations make a huge impact too. Cashiers at Atlantic Superstore will be asking if you’d like to contribute to the holiday campaign. Every food item and dollar that’s collected will go to food banks and meal programs right here in our province. And that means people will have the support they need to make good things happen.