Help feed your community by hosting a food drive with your congregation, office, or school - it's easy! Be sure to register your food drive below to ensure a painless food drive.
Host a Healthy Food Drive
Health and hunger are intimately linked. People who are food insecure are disproportionately affected by diet-related chronic diseases, including diabetes and blood pressure. See below for suggested Healthy Donation Items.
Host a Food and Fund Drive
Consider raising food AND funds! For every $1 donated, we are able to purchase $9 worth of food at wholesalers and the local food bank. If you would like to set up an online fundraiser, we have a toolkit with more information here.
Host a Supplies Drive
Households receiving SNAP benefits (food stamps) are restricted to only USDA approved food staples. Important items like diapers, feminie products and cleaning products are not included. And, luxury items are often too expensive on a limited budget. Get creative with your drive and consider items like:
- Spices and Oils
- Diapers - all sizes for children and adults
- Feminine products
- Holiday baking kits
Questions?
For any questions you have about hosting a food drive, contact Ricardo, 708-386-1324 ext. 1114
More Information
Suggested Healthy Donations
Grains
- Brown rice
- Quinoa
- Couscous
- Whole grain pasta
- Whole grain cereal
- Rolled oats
Proteins
- Canned tuna
- Canned salmon
- Canned chicken
- Nuts
- Dried beans
- Dried lentils
- Canned low-sodium beans
- Non-hydrogenated nut butters
Produce
- Canned fruit in 100% fruit juice
- Canned low sodium vegetables
- Dried fruit (preferably with no added sugar)
Donation Items We Cannot Accept
- Expired Items (or items without a printed expiration date)
- Homemade or home-canned Food
- Medications (prescription or over-the-counter)
- Open items
- Products not in their original packaging
- Brands with identities based on racial stereotypes: As an organization focused on ending hunger, we also focus on ending the inequities that lead to hunger—including those that disproportionately impact communities of color. We believe that the food and the food brands we distribute should reflect the dignity of all individuals. We do not accept brands with identities based on racial stereotypes. Some examples of these food brands include: Uncle Ben’s rice, Aunt Jemima syrup and pancake mix, and Mrs. Butterworth syrup.
Other Suggested Donations
Baby Items
- Baby food
- Diapers
- Formula
Cleaning Supplies
- All purpose cleaner
- Dish soap
- Laundry detergent
- Window cleaner
- Paper towels
Non-perishable Food Items
Toiletry Items (especially full-size):
- Incontinence supplies
- Feminine hygiene products
- Lotion
- Razors
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Shaving cream
- Body soap
- Hand soap
- Toilet paper
Food Drive Tips
1. Identify type of food drive
Do you want to collect funds, food, or both? Do you want to focus on a healthy food drive? Do you want to only focus on toiletries, or diapers?
2. Choose a location to host your food drive
Your office building, place of worship or school is an obvious choice. But you could also do it as an event entrance incentive.
3. Set a time frame
It could last several weeks, or just one day at an event.
4. Promote!
Send emails, post flyers, and make announcements to get the word out.