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CAN DO Community Challenge: Food Drive Toolkit

Thank you for your interest in getting your congregation, office, or school involved in the CAN DO Community Challenge.  One way to make a big impact as a group is to host a food/fund drive.  

About the Challenge

The CAN DO Community Challenge is Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry's annual spring food drive.  During the Challenge donations go further thanks to a $25,000 match from the Challenge Corp if we raise 100,000 in donated dollars and food items. 

The Challenge is particularly vital as it takes place during the spring when donations to the Food Pantry are typically at their lowest. 

We've put together graphics on local hunger so you can learn more about some of the area's we serve. 

Food Drive Resources

For general information on hosting a food drive, view our food drive page or check out a list of suggested donations

As part of the Challenge, we encourage you to schedule a visit to the Food Pantry to volunteer or ask a staff member speak at your organization.  It is a great way get a sense of the impact your food drive has on the community.  Contact Ricardo to set up a visit. 

Pre-made Challenge Posters:

We also offer the option to set up a custom donation page through our online giving platform.  To set-up a donation page for your food drive, please contact Libby

School Competition

The school competition winner is determined on a point-system:

  • 10 points for every $1
  • 5 points for ever "high powered" items: beans, canned tuna/chicken/salmon, beef stew, peanut butter, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, plain oatmeal
  • 1 point for all other donations: non-perishable food items, full size toiletry/personal hygiene items

The point system was developed to prioritize greater impact.  Every $1 donated allows us to purchase $9 worth of food thanks to wholesalers and our local food bank and "high-powered" items goes further towards ending hunger than other donations might. 

Food drives should be held during the month of April and all items should be dropped off at the Food Pantry by May 5th. Please contact Ricardo to schedule a drop-off time. 

Additional Questions

Please direct additional questions about the CAN DO Community Challenge to Ricardo, 708-386-1324 ext. 1114