If you were reading OSG this time last year, you might remember that I signed up with an organization called Project Feed Me as a way to rally myself and others to donate food items to local food banks.
It was a big success with many of you participating and donating whatever food items you could.
To participate in this Virtual Food Bank Party all you have to do is commit to donating food items to one of your local food banks.
It can be as much or as little as you want from a can of beans to a couple boxes of food. Even just 1 item makes a difference to those who need it.
Here is how you can participate:
1) Find a local food shelter near you:
If you are in Canada try Food Banking.
If you are in the US try Feeding America.
If you are in the UK try The Trussell Trust.
If you cannot find a local food bank via those means, try searching: ‘[your town name] + food bank’ in Google.
2) Check for a list of most needed food items.
The most needed foods items will vary by food bank. You can also call the food bank and ask what they need.
As an example, a local food bank near me has this list on their website as the ‘most needed items’:
- Beans (Dry or canned)
- Boxed macaroni & cheese
- Canned fish and meat
- Canned fruit and vegetables
- Canned stew
- Cereal
- Dry pasta
- Juice (boxes or cans)
- Pasta sauce
- Peanut butter
- Rice
- Snacks (Think nutritious!)
- Soup (Dry or canned)
- Toiletries, personal hygiene products, cleaning supplies, and laundry detergent
If you want to know what your local shelter is in need of it is best to call or check their website. Of course, you can also simply give whatever non-perishable food items you currently have in your cupboards too.
3) Drop off your food items to the food bank or a local drop box.
Drop boxes can often be found in grocery stores and sometimes Police or Fire stations serve as drop off spots too. Be sure to check the procedure for your food bank.
Today, I will be donating: Flour, cereal, sugar, quinoa, pumpkin, tomato paste, kidney beans, black beans, and a box of tea.
One of my goals is to start donating food on a regular basis (not only during the holidays, although the holidays are good reminders).
While the challenge is indeed a virtual one and we can’t all be in the same city together, I still think we can make a positive impact and do some good. :)
Let me know if you’d like to join in on the fun!
I will see you around lunchtime for a recipe and fun announcement.
I will most definitely be donating some foods to food banks this winter! I’m also going to drop off a bunch of my old clothes at a local womens shelter. My nutrition classes this year have really opened my eyes to all of the local poverty and it has really made me want to do what I can to help out!
Yup – I’m totally down! Thanks for this.
As someone that used to work in a food pantry, I BEG everyone to purchase foods to donate… and donate throughout the year. Many pantries get overwhelmed in November and then have to go without food for months because no one thinks of it outside of Thanksgiving. It hurts to turn people away. But PLEASE purchase food that you would actually eat! I once found a can of blueberries from 1964. Most pantries will distribute food that is silghtly past its expiration because most manufacturers give very early dates, but everyone deserves to have quality foods. Another great idea to keep in mind is to buy foods that can easily be eaten without needing extra ingredients. For example, buying a cake mix is great, but if it requires oil and eggs, many are unlikely to have that on hand. Foods that can be easily consumed without fancy bakeware or extra materials are greatly needed.
That sauce looks soooo good! Can’t wait to try a similar one.
Thanks Angela!
This is a great idea — sometimes we all need a little extra support. Frankly, the current economy warrants all of us giving a bit more than we might have planned.
There is another way to donate, too. My husband and I have a good estimate of how much we spend on groceries each week. With the exception of milk, I don’t purchase groceries for 1 week in the month of November (or December). The amount I would have spent on groceries gets sent in to a local food bank. We “make do” for that week with whatever is in the house — and are thankful that we have food in supply! Just a thought.
Im In! I think this is a great idea :-)
I think it’s fantastic that you’re spreading the word abt food banks and their needs. I volunteer at a food bank at my local church each week and it’s amazing the amount of that come each with and the amount of food that is needed for these families. Things that are also needed are things like oatmeal, powdered milk, laundry soap, baking supplies (flour, salt, sugar, yeast) and lots of filling things! Each week, my family picks out something to purchase for the food bank and we go to Costco and buy these items in bulk, and donate them. It’s also a great way to teach you kids to be thankful for what we have!
What an awesome idea/cause!