Organize a Canned Food Drive

Organize a Canned Food Drive

Thank you for your interest in helping The Foodbank for our Miami Valley neighbors. Last year, more than 3.1 million pounds of food were distributed to the hungry in Montgomery, Greene and Preble counties. More than 6,780 meals per day! Thank you for helping us help those in need!

Getting Started

  1. Contact The Foodbank to coordinate the dates of your food drive to avoid conflict with other events and to get approval for your concept.
    Note: The Foodbank benefits from food drives at any time of year.
  2. Publicize the Dates of the drive well in advance.
  3. Tour The Foodbank. Call and arrange a tour of The Foodbank. Find out more about hunger and how The Foodbank is providing a solution to end hunger.
  4. Develop a Collection System. Sturdy boxes or bins work well. Place in well-traveled areas, entrances, exits and break rooms. Consider decorating the boxes to capture the interest of the passerby. Include all collection areas in your publicity information.
  5. Organize Cash Donations. People who want to contribute may forget to bring canned goods. Accepting cash donations is a way for everyone to be involved in your event. Be sure to appoint certain individuals to handle cash collection. When turning funds into The Foodbank, please identify those donations requiring receipts.
  6. Publicize results of the drive as it progresses. For example, "The Human Resources Department seems to be leading the way. They've filled five boxes and have 100% participation."
  7. Food Delivery System. At the end of the drive, or as boxes are filled, food may be dropped off at The Foodbank from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. If you have collected at least 200 pounds (approximately 100 cans), you may call The Foodbank to pick up your donation. If you use The Foodbank barrels, a pick-up date can be pre-arranged. Please give several days notice, especially during November - January.
  8. If you have any questions call Nikki Hammes at (937) 461-0256 X 15.

Publicize Your Food Drive

The success of your drive will depend on how well you get the word out. Here are some tips to make it easier.

Make sure to include the following information in your publicity materials:

  • Theme of the food drive
  • Dates of the food drive
  • Location of collection sites
  • The phrase "All non-perishable foods accepted."
  • Name and brief description of The Foodbank - use information supplied on-line or (937) 461-0265 x16 for brochures and handouts.

Develop a fun slogan and theme for your food drive.
Here are a few examples:

  • Allow casual dress for those donating food.
  • Hold a carry-in lunch where admission is cans of food.
  • Provide each employee with an empty bag to fill and return.
  • Hold an intra- or inter-company competition with prizes for most food collected.
  • Hold a raffle. Tickets are acquired with food or cash donations.
  • Ask your company to match donated food (i.e., for each 100 lbs. collected, the company will donate a $100).

Design marketing materials including: flyers, posters, banners for lunch/break rooms, articles for your newsletter, interoffice memo or email, paycheck inserts, and a news release. The Foodbank has collection barrels and brochures (limited quantities) available upon request.

At the end of the drive, it is always important to let everyone know how much food was collected and thank them for their participation.

Types of Food Needed

All non-perishable foods can be utilized. The Foodbank is most in need of:

Meat/High Protein Group

  • Canned meats: ham, meat spreads, stews
  • Canned chicken
  • Canned fish including, tuna, salmon, sardines, other fish
  • Nuts, and seeds
  • Macaroni & cheese

Dairy Group

  • Evaporated milk
  • Powdered milk
  • Aseptic milk
  • Canned processed cheeses
  • Puddings & custards

Fruits & Vegetables

  • Canned fruits: canned peaches, pears, pineapples, applesauce, fruit cocktail
  • Canned juices: apple, cranberry, tomato and vegetable
  • Canned green vegetables, pinto/navy/red beans, canned potatoes, corn, and tomatoes
  • Canned soups

Breads & Cereals

  • Hot and cold breakfast cereals, including oatmeal and cream of wheat
  • Baking mixes: pancake, corn bread, cake mixes/icing, quick breads
  • Noodles: macaroni, spaghetti, pastas

Household Goods

  • Paper - toilet, tissues and towels
  • Soap - Bar and liquid