How to Organize a Neighborhood Food Drive

As part of my local domestic violence support team, I have been involved in organizing several food drives to provide food and other supplies for women and men who are escaping homes where domestic violence occurs. A neighborhood food drive may be the single best way to have an impact on your community. To begin, you must first find a group in need of food items. You may already have one in mind, but options to consider are food banks, crisis centers, or charitable organizations that provide assistance to those in need. Once you have decided on a group to donate too, be sure to ask if they have any specific needs or restrictions on what they will accept. In general, you will do best with supplies that do not require refrigeration, such as boxed and canned goods. Many organizations have a specific need for items such as baby formula that you can help with.

While you can operate a food drive by yourself, you will be more successful if you can find volunteers to help you. Once you have your team, begin by determining how you will collect food, where you will store it, and when and how you will deliver it. A successful drive can result in enough food to feed hundreds of people, so don’t underestimate the space you will need! The next step is to advertise your drive. Flyers and signs are a traditional way to do this, but take advantage of other means! Word of mouth will be vital, but consider social media. Websites like MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter can get the word out to thousands of potential donors quickly. You can also use online classifieds to raise awareness and find people you may not otherwise reach. If your organization keeps a mailing or email list, be sure to advertise this way as well!

In the past, I have held successful drives that lasted only a few hours. For this approach to work, you must promote your drive to ensure as many people as possible turn out to donate. Your location will also be important; I have had good luck by asking my local grocery stores to allow me to set up in front of the store. This allows people who are shopping an easy way to pick up a few extra items to donate. If you choose this method, make sure to create signs and flyers to attract people and let them know what you need. You may also consider making a donation jar available; to collect cash that your charity can use to purchase fresh goods or other needed items.

For longer food drives, you have more options for collecting donations. You may ask your volunteers to drive to homes to pick up food, or you may set up a simple “drop box” where people can leave goods that you will later collect. If you choose this method, be sure that your drop box is adequately identified, so people will be more likely to donate. Be sure you check the boxes regularly so they don’t become overloaded, which may discourage additional donations.

Whatever method you pick, you are playing an important role in helping your community. Be sure to take time to show your volunteers how much you appreciate them. This can be as simple as taking the time to send hand-written thank you notes, or as elaborate as an appreciation lunch or dinner. Be sure to congratulate yourself as well, you are making the difference in the lives of people who really need your help!

by World Barrios Contributor: Internet Kate
food drive drawing by Artist: Peipei

Resources:
Charities
Food Banks