Food Drive, Volunteer

How to Hold a Successful Food Drive

Announce the food drive well in advance so people can plan to bring non-perishable food items. Publicize the food drive through posters, meetings, memos and publications. Involve as many employees/members as possible and get them excited about the food drive.

Set the beginning and ending dates for the drive.

* Set a collection goal and try to get everyone involved in reaching that goal, i.e. 2-5 cans per person for a total of X number of items.
* Provide an appropriate receptacle to collect donations. Boxes or barrels work best. Place these containers in a centralized, visible location that is convenient for your group.
* Identify group members who will deliver the food to The Food Bank when the drive is over or arrange a pick-up in advance for large donations (200 lbs. or more).
* Deliver food to The Food Bank, 239 South Dudley, between 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

The Food Bank's Most Needed Items

* Canned meats
* Tuna
*
* Canned stew Canned fruits
* Peanut butter
* Chicken and dumplings
* Canned meats, including tuna
* Canned milk
* Canned vegetables
* 1 quart package of powered milk
* Canned 100% juices

You can also save our agencies money by donating non-food items:

• Paper towels, plates, napkins, cups, plastic utensils
• Toilet paper
• Bar soap
• Dish soap
• Any paper, cleaning or hygiene items

Ideas to Enhance Your Food Drive

• Decorate boxes or barrels for food collection. They can be used later for transporting the food to The Food Bank.
• Use flyers to publicize the drive and a suggested food list.
• Provide regular food drive updates via newsletter, memos, news release flyers or posters to promote interest.
• Visually display the food that has been received so that others will be encouraged to contribute.
• Hold an event, meeting or party where admission is canned foods.
• Provide organization members and employees with a bag to fill and return with donated items.
• Encourage intercompany or interorganizational competitions and give special recognition to the group collecting the most food.
• Give prizes for innovation or for largest amount of food collected.
(see brochure at http://www.memphisfoodbank.org/media/documents/Food%20Drive%20Brochure.pdf)