How to Host a Food Drive

The quick and easy way

Food drives are a great service project to organize, and are great for a group any size! The food collected during food drives assist in an effort to lessen the hunger in America. Food banks and pantries who receive these donations help to ensure that all the food is given to those who need it. It's important to realize that just like any activity, preparation is key to the completion of the goal.

There are four simple steps to carrying out a successful food drive:

1. Organize

Choose the location and duration of your food drive. Neighborhoods, schools, offices, civic groups, and houses of worship are just some of the many organizations that are happy to help sponsor a food drive. Consider registering the food drive with your local food bank. Most food banks will provide you with flyers, containers, and additional tips for running a successful food drive.

2. Advertise

Either use a flyer provided by your local food bank, or make your own. All flyers should include information about where to drop off the food, how long the food drive is running, and the most needed food items.

Most needed food:

• Peanut Butter
• Canned Meat
• Canned Fruit
• Canned Vegetables
• Cereal
• Pasta

3. Collect

Either use containers provided by your local food bank, or use cardboard boxes and plastic tubs to collect all the donated food. Label the containers and put them in a highly visible area.

4. Deliver

Collect all the donated food and take it to your local food bank or pantry. If your food drive has generated a lot of donated food (over 500 food items), then most food banks will pick the food up.

Remember to send a big thank you to all those who volunteered when all is said and done. GOOD LUCK!