Organizing a Food Drive helps keep our shelves stocked throughout the year. It’s also a great way to engage your community members around the issue of local hunger, while providing an incredible service to your neighbors!
To get started, email drives@hopelink.org.
Most Needed Food Items
- Milk (Dried, Canned or Shelf Stable)
- Non-perishable Meals (Instant Ramen, canned/pouched meals)
- Canned Meat (Tuna, Chicken, SPAM, etc.)
- Paper Products (Paper Towels, Toilet Paper, Baby Wipes, Diapers including adult sizes)
- Cereal/Oats
- Nut Butters
- Soup and Broth (low sodium appreciated)
- Allergy-specific foods (gluten free, vegan, vegetarian)
- Cooking Oil
- Spices (salt, pepper dried herbs, etc.)
- Hygiene Products (Dental Care, Soap, Shampoo, Feminine Products, Deodorant)
- Beverages (Water, Juice)
- Pet Food
- Baking Items (Flour, Sugar, etc.)
Each center offers specific foods based on the cultures of the clients who attend and what the center is able to purchase through monetary donations.
Food Bank Accepted Items
- Food (not expired and shelf stable)
- Bulk items (rice, beans, etc.)
- Paper products, hygiene items, cleaning supplies, diapers
- Books
Items Not Accepted at Hopelink Markets
- Expired, opened or damaged food
- Meat that is not USDA grade (wild game)
- Clothes/shoes/accessories (for any age)
- Home goods (rugs, towels, napkins, etc.)
- Appliances
- Medicines
- Alcohol
Ideas for Coordinating a Food Drive
Ask a local grocery store for permission to hold a food drive outside on a busy day of the week (Saturdays and Sundays work especially well).
Arrange for volunteers to be at all entrances of the store handing out flyers of commonly needed foods (examples included in this document).
Hopelink will provide you with posters for increased visibility and effectiveness.
Have coin containers set up for the collection of money.
Prior to the event, arrange a way to transport the food from your event to a Hopelink center.
A food drive at your school can be an effective and fun way to generate donations.
Set up bins in all classrooms and large common areas to provide a constant reminder of the drive.
Award prizes for the group or class who collects the most food.