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 Kerri Burns, market director at The Factory Ministries, 3293 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise, to find out which donations are most helpful to the Pequea Valley community. The Factory Market is a choice pantry, where shoppers purchase food using Factory Bucks they have earned by taking classes and completing other actions.

Burns perused the aforementioned infographic about ways to truly benefit a local food pantry, and concluded that most of the list, which recommended donating boxed milk, a can opener, and tea bags and coffee, was relevant for The Factory Market. She noted, however, that stocking boxed milk has not been a concern because fresh milk is delivered to The Factory weekly for market shoppers.

"Can openers are important," said Burns. "Usually once a year I ask our community (during a food drive) for can openers." She also said she is thankful for the many donors who give cans of fruit and veggies and soup with the pull top lids.

Other recommendations from the infographic included donating oil, spices, sugar, flour, eggs, and fresh produce, which the market welcomes. Nonfood items such as dishwashing detergent and feminine hygiene products are also accepted.

"We believe everyone deserves coffee and tea and cake and frosting," said Burns, who referred to The Factory's partnership with stores including Weis Markets, which allows the organization to stock meat, and Shady Maple and local neighbors that make sure the market can offer fresh produce.

"I believe you have to ask for what you need and get your community involved in making that happen," said Burns, who added that when companies or organizations offer to have a food drive for The Factory, she gives them brown bags with a specific list of up to six items stapled to each bag. "(Those items represent) things that we are in need of at that specific time," explained Burns. "That way, people know exactly what to donate."

In addition, Burns recommended giving gift cards for purchases at local supermarkets. She noted that gift cards for discount stores and markets can be helpful, as well.

Readers who would like to learn more about The Factory and its mission may visit https://thefactoryministries.com.