Hosting a food drive is an easy way to contribute to our emergency food operations. A few simple steps:
1. Call us first to let us know your plans. We can share our wish list items, give you materials to hand out or suggestions on the event, or let you know if another group is planning a similar event.
2. Coordinate a time to drop off all the food you’ve collected. If desired, you can help weigh and sort items after the food drive. Common Pantry also utilizes volunteers to pick up food drive donations if needed.
3. Send a thank you note. If appropriate, thank organizations and others that supported your drive, they’ll be more likely to help you again in the future.
Different groups manage the event in different ways, here are a few ideas:
Organizations (churches, schools, businesses)
Larger groups often host food collection for a set amount of time. Set up boxes/bins in high visibility areas and send fliers home as a reminder. Be sure to include suggestions for donations from our wish list.
Add some fun by creating a friendly competition—homerooms can challenge each other or a neighboring church might want to see who can bring in more goodies. Bragging rights are always a great prize!
Small Groups (friends, sports teams, community groups)
Contact your local grocery store and ask if you can have a food drive outside the store. Schedule people at each door to hand out a wish list <link to wish list> of foods you are hoping to collect. Ask area businesses to join you in a food drive—place nicely decorated boxes in their lobbies and arrange for pick-up when they are full.
