Shelf-stable proteins
Canned tuna, chicken, salmon, beans, lentils, and peanut butter provide long-lasting protein that helps families build balanced meals without refrigeration.
Donor guide
Best foods to donate to a food pantry
Not all donations fill a shelf equally. This guide covers the most impactful foods and household items to donate to Open Hands Community Food Pantry — and a few things to leave at home.
High-impact donations
These items are versatile, nutritious, and consistently needed by Anderson County families. When in doubt, choose protein and whole grains.
Whole grains and pasta
Brown rice, oatmeal, whole-grain pasta, cereal, and quinoa stretch a meal and keep neighbors full longer.
Canned fruits and vegetables
Look for fruit packed in water or 100% juice and low-sodium vegetables. They add nutrition when fresh produce is limited.
Cooking basics
Cooking oil, flour, sugar, salt, spices, pasta sauce, and broth turn scattered ingredients into real meals.
Hygiene and household items
Soap, toothpaste, toilet paper, laundry detergent, and feminine products are not covered by SNAP and are always in demand.
Items we cannot accept
Safety and storage limits mean some well-meaning gifts create more work than help. Please skip these:
- Opened, expired, or homemade food
- Glass containers (they break easily in donation bins)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Items requiring refrigeration or freezing
- Bulk loose food without ingredient labels
Drop off donations in Lawrenceburg
Bring nonperishable items to Open Hands during pantry hours. Volunteers will help you unload and sort.
- Address
- 1111 Industrial Park Road
Lawrenceburg, KY 40342 - Phone
- (502) 839-0094
Pantry hours
- MondayClosed
- Tuesday9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Wednesday9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Thursday12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
- Friday9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- SaturdayClosed
- SundayClosed
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about donating food, hosting drives, and what pantries need most.
What are the best foods to donate to a food pantry?
The best foods to donate are shelf-stable proteins (tuna, chicken, peanut butter, beans), whole grains (rice, pasta, oatmeal), canned fruits and vegetables, cooking basics, and hygiene items. These are versatile, nutritious, and easy for pantries to distribute.
Can I donate fresh produce or baked goods?
Fresh produce is welcome when the pantry is open and can distribute it quickly. Baked goods should be store-bought, sealed, and within date. Call Open Hands at (502) 839-0094 before dropping off perishables so we can use them right away.
Do you accept personal care and cleaning supplies?
Yes. Soap, toothpaste, toilet paper, shampoo, deodorant, laundry detergent, and feminine hygiene products are some of our most requested items. SNAP benefits cannot be used for these, so pantry donations fill a real gap.
Should I donate money instead of food?
Both help. Monetary donations let pantries buy exactly what shelves need and take advantage of bulk pricing. Food drives keep community members engaged and directly restock the pantry. We accept checks and cash at 1111 Industrial Park Road, Lawrenceburg, KY 40342.
Where can I drop off donations in Lawrenceburg?
Bring nonperishable donations to Open Hands Community Food Pantry at 1111 Industrial Park Road, Lawrenceburg, KY 40342 during open hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, and Thursday 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm.
Can I host a food drive for Open Hands?
Absolutely. Churches, schools, businesses, and neighborhoods can collect high-impact items and deliver them during pantry hours. Call (502) 839-0094 to let us know you are coming and to learn what we need most that week.
What should I avoid donating?
Please do not donate opened, expired, or homemade food, alcoholic beverages, glass containers, items that need refrigeration, or loose bulk goods without labels. These create safety and storage issues for volunteers.
This guide is provided as a community resource by Open Hands Community Food Pantry. Have a question about donations? Call (502) 839-0094 or message us on Facebook.