Maybe it shows up on your Facebook page ... or maybe it arrives in an email. The infographic purports to tell you why certain items are or are not good choices to donate to your local food pantry. Suggestions include donating boxed milk, a can opener, oil, and fresh produce and meat. At this point, you're thinking, "Wow, I never thought of those things," and if you have been donating soup and pasta and peanut butter, you feel like maybe you have not been doing your part.

The Pennysaver contacted Amy Marburger, food and nutrition manager with CrossNet Ministries, to find out which donations are most helpful to the ELANCO community. Marburger noted immediately that while donations have been consistent, as fall turns into winter, less fresh local produce will be available, and inflation may take a toll. "We are thinking ahead because the holidays are coming, and we are starting to see a slight increase in weekly numbers," she said. "We hope we don't see a drastic decrease in food donations." To help alleviate that problem, Marburger suggests that those wishing to donate purchase two of an item they are buying anyway and give the second to CrossNet.

Marburger perused the infographic about ways to truly benefit a local food pantry and noted that she would be glad to accept can openers and that she often gives them to families that are homeless. She said pop-top cans are also appreciated.

While the pantry offers milk, butter, and margarine weekly, Marburger said that boxed milk - powdered or liquid - is great for recipients to keep in their kitchens for cooking needs. She added that oil, spices, salt, pepper, sugar, and flour are hugely popular among those who utilize the pantry.

Pasta is commonly donated, and Marburger noted, "Noodles are super important, but think outside spaghetti." She listed lasagna, penne, elbows, and egg noodles among the items that fly off the shelves.

During the summer and fall, the pantry is well supplied with local produce. During the cooler months, Marburger appreciates donations of produce, including celery, broccoli, cauliflower, apples, pears, and bananas on Mondays or Tuesdays so they will be fresh when recipients come to the pantry on Wednesdays.

Other items that are always appreciated include snack crackers, saltines, cake mixes and frosting, hearty canned soups that are rich in vegetables and beef; jarred gravies; beef, chicken, and vegetable broths; salsa; pickles; and condiments of all kinds. Nonfood items in high demand include laundry and dishwashing detergent and feminine hygiene products.

More information about CrossNet Ministries may be found at http://elancocross.org.