5 tips on how to organize a Food Drive

Many people are intimidated when we suggest that they organize a food drive. Adults and students prefer to order food items off our Amazon List or to drop off can goods. While this is greatly appreciated, we are encouraging you step out of your comfort zone and organize a food drive!

Pick a pantry.

In this case, we encourage you to pick the Byck Elementary Neighborhood Pantry!
Arm yourself with information about why you picked this pantry. For example,it is local, located in the West-end of Louisville. The pantry serves students, their families, and other people in the neighborhood who struggle with food insecurity.

Pick a date!

When do you want to run this food drive? We would suggest you accept donations for no more than a week or two.
Pick a week that is convenient for you. You could make it a project around your birthday or any other special day.

Make a List

A list makes it easier for people to contribute. Once you have gathered the items that you need, people can reference the list.
See below for list

Who?

Who are you going to ask to donate? What large groups are you a part of? Listing these out may help you in this step. Here are some examples:

• Your family!
• It could be your class in school. Ask your teacher if you can make it a class project.
• It could be your youth group ( church, synagogue, mosque or temple). Ask the leaders if you can run a food drive.
• You could ask your team! Basketball, volleyball, soccer, football, theater, etc. It is a great team building exercise to serve together.

Be confident! You can do this.

Ask everyone. Don’t be afraid of getting turned down. This is a great cause. This is something good. Use your resources like social media!

 

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Suggested Food List for Byck Elementary

Non-Perishable items:

• Canned meat (tuna, chicken, sausage, SPAM, chili)
• Canned vegetables (green beans, corn, greens, peas, sweet potatoes)
• Cereal (box)
• Pasta
• Canned fruit
• Crackers
• Oatmeal
• Flour/Corn Meal
• Dried Potatoes
• Snacks (fruit bars, fruit, granola bars, animal crackers, etc)
• Instant Mac and Cheese (Just add water)
• Oil

Refrigerated items:

• Eggs
• Bacon
• Sandwich meat
• ½ gallon milk
• ½ gallon orange juice
• Hot dogs
• Bologna
• Rolls
• Fruits (apples, pears, etc)

Frozen items:

• Chicken tenders/nuggets
• French fries/tater tots
• Lasagna/dinner meals
• Meats (ground beef, chicken, etc)