The Surprising Things Food Banks Really Need This Holiday Season

All-natural, 100-percent juice is a great source of vitamins (and the juice boxes are great for kids), but make sure that it's all-natural; high-fructose corn syrup shouldn't be an ingredient in anything that you donate. 

If you're going to donate food to food banks, there are some items that you may not realize that they need. 

Protein, protein, protein. Many food banks struggle to provide those in need with enough protein, and these can be easily added to many other meals. 

Vegetables are a vital part of a nutritious diet, but fresh ones can easily go bad. Canned vegetables are a great choice; low-sodium canned vegetables are even better. 

Cooking oils are always in high demand at food banks, and canola and olive oil (it doesn't need to be extra virgin) are good options because they're the highest in mono-unsaturated fats. 

Granola bars make for a very healthy snack, and are also filling and provide plenty of protein. Just make sure that they aren't too high in sugar. 

Also a great source of protein, vitamins, and healthy fats, nuts make for a wholesome and nutritious snack. 

Full of fiber and protein, oatmeal is easy to make and fills you up. The individually portioned instant packets are among the best items to donate. 

Not only is peanut butter high in protein and incredibly versatile, it's also a bona-fide comfort food. 

Fresh milk only stays good for a couple weeks, but is always in demand. It's a good source of protein and calcium, so shelf-stable milks like Parmalat and powdered milk are great alternatives.  

Filling and non-perishable, pasta can feed an entire family for the price of just one box. Plain pasta is made with enriched flour, which contains little in the way of vital nutrients, however, so donate whole wheat pasta instead, which is full of fiber.