LUFKIN, Texas (KTRE) – As communities come together to support those in need, food pantries in East Texas say items like sugar and flour are just as important as traditional donations.

Jenifer Phillips of the Salvation Army of Lufkin said, “The best thing is to have things that are as sealed as possible and come in the same packaging you would buy in the store.”

Phillips said they buy most of their groceries at Sam’s Club and Walmart, but still need staples like canned goods, proteins, dry goods, fruits and vegetables.

She said canned goods with pull-open lids are helpful for people without can openers.

“If they have Vienna sausages in a boiled can, it helps people who may not have the means to heat something up,” Phillips said.

Items people don’t always think about when donating include sugar, flour, tea bags and spices.

Dina Bynog, a volunteer at Clawson Assembly of God, said, “That’s a lot of stuff we can’t really distribute, so if people want to donate something, we can use that for our food pantry.”

Bynog said there is no sugar, no flour and no canned meat in her pantry.

“We get milk, but sometimes the milk doesn’t last very long because it runs out within two to three days. So we try to send the milk out as quickly as possible,” said Bynog.

Phillips said one of the things they’re trying to do is keep protein in stock.

“Meat, beans, peanut butter, those kinds of things seem to be the most in demand,” Phillips said.

She said what you want to receive is what you want to give.

Those who would like to donate these often overlooked items can make a big difference in local relief efforts.

To learn more, you can visit your local food bank.

Copyright 2024 KTRE. All rights reserved.