Melissa pointed out an important part of coupon clipping that often gets recycled with the Sunday inserts. Buying items for free or cheap, even if you don’t need them, is a good idea because you can donate them to charity.
I am a 2nd generation extreme couponer teaching my kids to do the same.
Let’s remember that stretching our dollars can be used to maximize our giving to those in need. I try to spend an average of $2 per week on food or toiletries. With coupons & sales, I can sometimes fill up a bag. Even if all you can afford is one extra item per shopping trip, it still helps.
For more about how demand on pantries is growing while supplies are declining, see http://articles.latimes.com/2008/jul/28/local/me-valecon28.
To find out the most needed donations see http://www.jfsla.org/sova/DonateProducts.php
Donating to a food pantry is a great way to help our your neighbors and feel good about yourself! And if you are unable to donate to charity this holiday season, consider contributing to a food pantry instead!
Welcome to Bargain Babe! I’m Mara, and I’m so glad you’re here. I am an obsessive bargain hunter and penny pincher, and I am determined to live a full life without EVER paying full price. 
I do this all the time when I get freebie coupons for cat or dog food. My cats are very particular about what they will eat, so rather than have the coupon go to waste, I give them to my local animal shelter.
I checked with a local food bank and they would prefer the money that you would spend as opposed to the items because they can obtain the items at an even lower cost through their normal channels. If you can get the items for free, then that is an excellent donation. As most markets have eliminated double coupons, it is harder to get free items.
I also am a coupon-nut. I am lucky that we always have double coupns ( up to $1.00) and sometimes triple coupons. I stash away non-food items, toothpaste, deoderant, shampoon etc and donate them to a local women’s shelter. Most of the items are free and they are greatly appreciated by the staff at the shelter.