Tomorrow marks the start of Tax Free three-month long holiday that will end in October. This holiday was enacted by Governor Bill Lee to help alleviate the financial impact Tennesseans have felt as a result of inflation and high grocery prices. The three month long tax free holiday on groceries is kicked off by Tennessee’s annual Tax Free Weekend. During the last weekend in July, Tennesseans will not pay sales taxes. Now is the perfect time to stock up on pantry staples, and, if you’re able, make a food donation to Second Harvest. Grab some items and bring them to your nearest Second Harvest location, or, if you’re shopping at Kroger, drop them off at the bins up front. Happy Shopping!
Some of Second Harvest’s most-needed items include:
- Peanut Butter (or other nut butters)
- Canned Chicken or Tuna
- Canned Vegetables
- Canned Fruit
- Dried pasta
- Uncooked Rice
- Canned or Dried Beans
- Cereal
These are all items that are high in nutritional value, easily accessible for people with physical disabilities, and have a long shelf-life. These items are essential to pair alongside fresh produce, dairy, and protein for a balanced diet without requiring regular grocery visits that are difficult for those without reliable transportation or who have mobility issues.
There are also several items Second Harvest cannot accept as food donations for various reasons:
- Refrigerated items
- Expired food
- Leftovers
- Baked goods
- Fresh produce
- Anything in a glass container
These items are not accepted because they may not be easily transportable or will not be safe for consumption by the time they are distributed to our Partner Agencies.
Now that you know the in’s and out’s of food donation, it’s time to get involved! Second Harvest offers many ways to engage your community and join the fight against hunger.
