Here's part 9 of an absolutely great article from Kiplinger's on ways to give if you don't have cash:
Buy extra groceries. On your next trip to the supermarket, pick up a couple of extra items to donate to your local food bank. Whether you have an extra $5, $25 or $50 to spend, a little goes a long way. For example, on average, $10 can buy more than 30 pounds of flour, 18 pounds of rice, or about six pounds of peanut butter, according to the Consumer Price Index.
I love this idea. A suggestion: When you find a really great deal (whether with coupons, in-store deal, or in an ad), buy a bundle. This will make your money go farther and allow you to give even more than you'd planned to those who need help.
At my local Giant (a grocery chain) they have shopping carts out front to collect grocery donations. They even have these special boxes you can buy full of a "complete meal" for 4 people in canned goods. Saves you the trip of going to the food bank if you're near one.
Posted by: jim | December 21, 2005 at 08:57 AM