The items you choose to include will ultimately depend on your budget, but below are some ideas to help you come up with a plan.
Remember, the bags that you use for the care packages can be useful to homeless people as well. So if you’re using plastic grocery bags, consider double bagging the items so that homeless people can re-use them to carry other items.
Also, if you are including toiletries – or any type of lotion or fluid that isn’t food – be sure to package those items separately from any food products, so that the food doesn’t end up tasting like soap or sunscreen.
When handing out food to homeless people, remember to distribute the items as a group, to keep you and your colleagues safe.
Foods
Foods to avoid
Numerous volunteer agencies recommend against including hard nuts or crunchy granola bars because a homeless person most likely does not have access to regular dental care and eating hard items like these can be painful if they have untreated or unresolved dental issues.
Toiletries
Remember to package these items separate from the food items, so that the food doesn’t end up tasting like lotion or soap:
Seasonal Comforts and Necessities
Depending on your geographical location or season:
Other items