At Second Harvest Food Bank, we prioritize nutritious and healthy meals for the communities we serve year round. Nutrition can come in many forms, which is why we chose low-sodium canned stews, chili and soups as our latest Foods of the Month.
Why Canned Stews, Chili and Soups?
These foods remain on our most-needed foods list year round for a number of reasons. They provide quick, nutritious meals for the families and individuals we serve in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. They are very convenient and, being non-perishable, 
last much longer in pantries. Additionally, they are consistently among the most-requested foods from our partner food pantries and shelters.
Shirley Chang, Second Harvest Santa Clara County Agency Relations Manager explains, “This is a valuable item because it is a meal in a can! It’s shelf stable, it’s heat and serve, and it’s great for our homeless clients who lack access to a kitchen. Our pantry partners are always asking for more protein items, and more varieties of protein items. Canned stews, chili and soups can help to meet those needs. It doesn’t require cooking and it’s a fulfilling meal.”
Canned stews, chili and soups not only provide protein in the form of meats and beans, but they can also provide vegetables that the USDA recommends, at least half of your plate to be vegetables and fruit. Another way to liven these meals in a can is to add fresh vegetables, protein or even grains.
How You Can Help
Help provide meals for your local communities in three easy ways. Host a dedicated food drive and encourage your family, friends and colleagues to donate low-sodium canned stews, chili and soups. You can also help by making an online donation. $1 provides 2 meals! If you would like to donate canned meals to the Food bank, we accept your donations at any of our three locations.
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