What to donate to food banks:
Money
When you donate financially, food banks are able to bulk buy and get very good prices on the food they purchase.
Grocery reward points (like Optimum)
Some food banks, like the Parkdale Food Bank in Toronto, allow you to donate your grocery store reward points. Like with money, they are able to spend a lot of points at once to get optimal value.
Non-perishable food + other essentials
Some things that fall into this category:
Meal replacement drinks, instant coffee, granola bars and cans.
Pet food, hygiene products.
Perishable food
Food banks, such as Parkdale Food Bank in Toronto, have walk-in fridges and freezers and accept all food items as long as they are unopened and unexpired. Fresh fruit and vegetables that can be eaten without any preparation (apples, cucumbers, pears, tomatoes, etc.). Expensive items like butter, cheese, deli meat and eggs as well as frozen meat.
Find your local food bank and visit their website for more information:
Territories
Nunavut Community-Based Food Programs
BC
AB
SK
MB
ON
QC
NL
Community Food Sharing Association
NB
Food Depot Alimentaire, New Brunswick
NS
PEI