So now that we have the Blessing’s Box, what do we do with it? Below are guidelines that were provided to us by “Nourish Together,” the Food and Farm Council of Riley County, and the City of Manhattan.

When Temperatures are between 0°F and 40°F
• Hand can openers • Shampoo/Conditioner/Combs/Brushes • Toilet paper • Period products Pads/Regular Tampons • Toothbrush/Toothpaste • Deodorant • Razors • Hand soap, dish soap, bath soap • Hand sanitizer • Laundry detergent • Gloves/Hats/Scarves • Baby supplies (wipes, diapers, etc.) •First aid products •School supplies • Peanut butter, nuts, and alternatives Almond Butter, Sunflower Seed Butter, Coconut Butter, etc. • Rice, white or brown • Pasta (preferably in boxes) • Cereals/instant oatmeal packets • Crackers/granola bars • Condiments (ketchup, mustard, salad dressing, mayo) • Jelly, pancake syrup • Baking and Pancake Mixes • Microwave meals/to-go meals and shelf-stable meal kits • Individual serving size items • Package protein drinks • Dried fruit

When Temperatures are between 40°F and 85°F
• Hand can openers • Shampoo/Conditioner/Combs/Brushes • Toilet paper • Period products Pads/Regular Tampons • Toothbrush/Toothpaste • Deodorant • Razors • Hand soap, dish soap, bath soap • Hand sanitizer • Laundry detergent • Gloves/Hats/Scarves • Baby supplies (wipes, diapers, etc.) •First aid products •School supplies • Canned soups and sauces • Canned Meat (Tuna, Chicken, etc.) • Peanut butter, nuts, and alternatives Almond Butter, Sunflower Seed Butter, Coconut Butter, etc. • Beans, canned, especially garbanzo, chili, & baked beans • Rice, white or brown • Pasta (preferably in boxes) • Cereals/instant oatmeal packets • Crackers/granola bars • Canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, & tomato paste • Canned Fruits, Canned Vegetables • Condiments (ketchup, mustard, salad dressing, mayo) • Jelly, pancake syrup • Baking and Pancake Mixes • Microwave meals/to-go meals and shelf-stable meal kits • Individual serving size items • Infant formula, dry infant cereal • Package protein drinks • Dried fruit

When Temperatures are between 85°F and 100°F
• Hand can openers • Shampoo/Conditioner/Combs/Brushes • Toilet paper • Period products Pads/Regular Tampons • Toothbrush/Toothpaste • Deodorant • Razors • Hand soap, dish soap, bath soap • Hand sanitizer • Laundry detergent • Gloves/Hats/Scarves • Baby supplies (wipes, diapers, etc.), •Sunscreen •Cooling towels •First aid products •School supplies • Pasta (preferably in boxes) • Dried Soup mixes •Instant rice •Crackers •Rice/popcorn cakes •Pretzels •Instant cereal • Dried beans •lentils • meal bars (dry, not chocolate) •powdered beverage mixes.

Throughout the year, DO NOT donate the following to a Blessing Box:
• Open or partially used items • Rusty or unlabeled cans • Homemade or home canned foods • Glass because of breakage • Food in torn cardboard boxes • Food in torn plastic packaging • Perishable items – NO raw or cooked meats, eggs, dairy, fresh breads • NO foods requiring refrigeration or freezing • Alcoholic beverages • Dented, bent, leaking, or bulging cans • Any packaged food past its “best by,” “use by,” or “sell by” date • Any packaged food with damaged tamper-resistant seals • Re-packaged foods • No fresh fruits or vegetables – these can spoil easily during extreme temperature changes, get easily damaged, or get contaminated by animals or insects.

When donating items please follow CDC handwashing guidance and disinfect the box interior and handles frequently. Buy canned foods with pull rings when available for easy opening or include small handheld can openers.