We have all seen the flyers that say "Food Needed" or "Food Drive Today!" We all take the same steps for these flyers. We either decide to not participate (shame on you!) or we go to our pantry, close our eyes and reach for the can of olives or artichoke hearts that have graced our cabinets for the last four years. As the manager of a Nutrition Outreach program, I have seen it all. But take it from me, here are some do's and don't's for food drives...
DON'T donate anything out of date. If you are not willing to eat it, why do you think anyone else is willing to eat it? Keep in mind, the food you are donating is going to real people. They are your neighbors. They are your coworkers. They are your students.
DON'T donate anything super high in sugar. My programs do not accept anything with more than 8 grams of sugar in a serving. I encourage you to take a look at the label before tossing it in the donation barrel. Sugar addiction, obesity and diabetes run rampant in all communities. The aim of food pantries is to nourish families, not feed addiction. Food stamp dollars, too often, are already spent on high sugar items. Education needs to start at some level, so please help us to teach healthier foods and healthier shopping by donating healthier items.
DON'T donate anything super high in sodium. See above, but substitute high blood pressure and cholesterol for diabetes and sugar addiction. We want our neighbors to be nourished. This includes the Ramen in the back (or front) of your cabinet. That pesky college habit that you can't kick.
DON'T donate anything you do not know how to prepare yourself. If you are having trouble preparing something and decide to get rid of the rest of it (because you had a coupon for "Buy One Get Thirty Free"), maybe try to include a recipe with your donation. Otherwise, keep it to yourself. We often have enough trouble trying to encourage folks to try meal planning without something obscure.
DO donate whole wheat options. As we are trying to encourage healthy habits, we need to have healthy options. Often that just takes one time of trying something new, such as whole wheat pasta, to change someone's mind about the taste, texture and health benefits. Help us in those efforts!
DO donate spices and herbs (that have not been used or opened). We are trying to encourage healthy eating and healthy cooking. Often that cannot be done without herbs and spices to replaces added salt. Garlic powder, oregano, dill, onion powder and even black pepper are hard to come by. Maybe try a "Herb and Spice Drive" next time instead of canned food drive!
DO donate easy open cans. We often see folks who may not have a fully functioning kitchen or a fully functioning can opener. With easy open cans, participants are able to eat something nutritious no matter what their situation is.
DO check and see if your local food pantry accepts fresh produce. As a Manager of programs that do accept fresh produce, there can never be enough! It does make a food drive more time sensitive, but that adds to the thrill of helping people. A flash food drive is a fun way to get your community involved in the fight against hunger in a fast, highly impactful way. Go gleaning. Or find other creative ways to get produce to local food pantries!
DO donate your time. Food pantries and food banks are ALWAYS looking for more volunteers who are dedicated to fighting hunger and encouraging health. Whether it is a one time service project, or you want to jump in head first and volunteer once a week, volunteers are always needed. Contact your local food pantry or food bank to see how you can join in the fight against hunger.
No matter what your approach, get involved in a local movement against hunger. It is real. It is rampant. It is solvable.
