Helpful grains & starches

Rice, quinoa, certified gluten-free oats, cornmeal, masa harina, polenta, buckwheat, plain rice noodles.

Pantry proteins

Beans, lentils, canned tuna, canned chicken, nut butters, shelf-stable milk.

Produce & basics

Canned vegetables, canned fruit in juice, tomato products, broth, cooking oil, herbs and spices.

Look for labels

“Certified gluten-free” or clearly labeled gluten-free when possible.

Avoid or use caution with

Regular pasta, wheat flour, barley, rye, malt, bread crumbs, soy sauce unless clearly gluten-free, and items at risk of cross-contact.

Plant proteins

Beans, lentils, chickpeas, split peas, tofu (shelf-stable), soy milk, peanut butter.

Meal builders

Rice, pasta, couscous, quinoa, canned tomatoes, coconut milk, broths, spices, pasta sauce.

Ready-to-use items

Canned chili without meat, vegetable soups, instant lentil meals, oatmeal.

Notes

Label dairy, eggs, and meat clearly so sorting is easier.

Allergies vary and can be serious. Our staff sorts carefully to protect neighbors with food allergies.

Most useful clearly labeled items

Single-ingredient foods, simple ingredient lists, sealed manufacturer packaging.

Helpful examples

Sunflower seed butter, plain rice, plain oats, canned beans, applesauce cups, fruit cups, plain crackers if labeled.

Use caution with

Mixed snacks, unlabeled bakery items, bulk-repacked items, and anything without ingredient information.

Important note

Do not claim an item is allergy-safe unless the packaging clearly supports that claim.