I saw a basket of canned goods and other food brought up when the bread and wine were brought up before the Eucharistic prayer. Why was that done?
Gifts for the poor may be brought forward with the bread and wine in the offertory procession at any Mass. From the very beginning Christians have brought, along with the bread and wine for the Eucharist, gifts to share with those in need. This custom of the collection, ever appropriate, is inspired by the example of Christ who became poor to make us rich. (Catechism of the Catholic Church #1350)
This is an opportunity to include family and friends by asking them to bring up the gifts.