As we’re heading into the last weekend until Thanksgiving (officially kicking off the “Holiday Season”), if you’re able to pick up some extra “holiday foods” that are almost always on sale during this time, do it so you can donate those goods to your local food bank.

During this time, food banks are often experiencing more demand than usual.  Many food banks put together special holiday meal packages for those in need to pick up so they’re able to have a special holiday meal.   Logically, the more holiday foods a food bank has, the more meal packages they can create to distribute throughout their local community.

So, what “holiday foods” are food banks looking for?  The blog Scary Mommy has an incredibly comprehensive list and it includes staples like instant mashed potatoes, boxed stuffing mix, canned yams, jar gravy/gravy mix, cranberry sauce, pie crust mix, canned pie filling, various seasoning and even paper plates and plastic utensils.

For the complete list, go to ScaryMommy.com.