Why Dry Goods Are the Secret Weapon in Fighting Hunger?

Dry goods are the backbone of Second Harvest.  

These staples—such as rice, pasta, and beans – are versatile, nutritious, and long-lasting. We need them to fight hunger in our communities.  

While fresh foods are necessary, dry goods serve as the building blocks for a balanced diet. Without pantry staples, our neighbors would struggle to prepare nutritious meals.  

Amy Qazi, Registered Dietican, says, “Dry goods are an essential part of a healthy diet. These versatile ingredients transform a variety of dishes. Dry goods fill food pantries, which makes home-cooked meals healthy and convenient.” 

That’s why we are celebrating Dry Goods January.   

At Second Harvest, we are taking time this January to talk about the importance of dry goods. Without them, we couldn’t do our job.  

Unlike their canned counterparts, dried beans are low in sodium. They do need a little extra work, though.   

Make sure you soak beans overnight before cooking. That will reduce their cooking time and improve their texture.  

Want to give it a try? Check out this recipe from our Nutrition Team.

White Bean and Beet Hummus

Ingredients

• 1, 16 ounce bag of white beans (also known as cannellini beans)

• 1, 15 ounce canned beets, drained

• 1 tablespoon of minced garlic

• ½ cup of oil

• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon of salt

• 1 teaspoon of black pepper

Directions

1. Soak beans overnight in enough water to cover by an inch. Drain and rinse.
2. Place beans in large pot and cover with two inches of water. Season water to taste. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for at least 2 hours. When beans are tender, drain.
3. In a food processor or blender, combine the white beans, beets, garlic, oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
4. Once blended into a smooth consistency, transfer to a bowl using a spatula or the back of a wooden spoon.

Notes

• The white bean hummus can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to one week or can be frozen in a sealable Ziplock back for up to three months.

• Serve with whole grain crackers or vegetables such as carrots or celery for additional fiber and vitamins and minerals.

We need all the help we can get for Dry Goods January.   

Donating is one of the easiest ways to make an impact. When you give pantry staples or funds, you’re helping us stock pantries for families in need.   

This Dry Goods January, help us build healthier communities.