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 love this idea! i think so many people get caught up in help others…as in foreign countries, that they forget to help out their community first. thanks for the great links.
Also, I think it’s great that you are donating quality foods as well! :)
What a good idea Angela! I know I sometimes seem to “forget” how blessed we are to have to be able to buy groceries regularly, eat well, etc. It makes sense to give back!
What a wonderful idea :)
I can’t wait for your big announcement!
Nice idea Angela – I was actually heading in this direction as the Y gym I go to is running a food drive from now through the middle of December. It only takes a small reminder to pick up a couple of extra items weekly for a couple of weeks as you shop and then put it all together. My problem is remembering! Thanks for the reminder :)
Oooh thanks for the reminder! I’ve been meaning to give a few things to a local food bank for a while now and I think I’ll make a point of doing it this weekend. :D
What a great idea! Thank you for this post. You know, I’d never been on my local food bank website or IN my local food bank. It’s time to change that!
Thanks for reminding us all how important it is to give back to the community. My husband has been laid off for most of this year so I definitely understand how tough times can be. I am fortunate enough to have a great job that keeps us afloat, but times are definitely tougher than usual. I can’t imagine being parents in a family that is struggling to put food on the table for their family. I will definitely be dropping off some food to my local food bank.
I LOVE surprises….can’t wait for your announcement!!!
What a fabulous idea! We didn’t contribute to a food bank but did sponsor a family from a local co-op by purchasing food and grocery gift cards for them for the holidays. It’s so important to give back. I love doing things for others more than gifts for me me me this time of year. It really makes it all feel more special.
Awesome, I’m totally in! I donated some cans to my son’s school for local families, but I can definitely donate more.
I’m definitely attending this par-tay! I was at the grocery store on Sunday and commented to my boyfriend that I wanted to donate a few items (but not the store’s pre-packaged donation items as they’re full of horribly bad food). I’ll be gathering my food shortly!
What is the backdrop behind you in the photo on your opening page?
Hey Ang,
This is such a great idea!!
A thought that was brought up in my social work program is there are MANY diabetics that get food from the food bank and that most of the foods given are not diabetic friendly. (white pasta, white rice etc). Just a thought, when I heard about that I had a light bulb moment!! ;)
I will do this for sure!
I grew up in a family that not only donated to the food banks but volunteered there as well so it is just second nature to me. One tip for giving (quality items- not Ramen Noodles!!) throughout the year is to stock up on extras of stuff when you see really good sales or coupons. Buy some for the food bank and put it aside til you collect some more stuff and then you can give a load of quality food every so often and not spend too much.
Of course, not everyone can afford to do so. If you can’t give the food banks are always looking people to sort food and food shelters are always looking for people to help there. Giving time counts too and makes for a fun Sat morn even if you grab a friend or two.
I just donated this weekend! I went through the pantry and purged a bunch of stuff that I was hoarding specifically for this purpose.
Great idea Angela! I love that you are donating quality foods. Through my church I volunteer at a local food bank and it’s sad to see most of the food options. Thanks for bringing attention to an important cause!
Great idea! I love giving to food banks, it makes me feel good :) Wow! I am so corny.
Amazing idea Angela!! I organize an annual food drive in my office and I love that this will unite people from all different areas to come together for a great cause. Well done :)
We always do this for our food bank and church! I usually start so late though and don’t grab everything I can. Thanks for the reminder!
What a great idea! I actually just threw together a huge bag of clothing to donate, so I think I’ll find some food to donate as well! I love that you’re donating such high-quality foods, too!
Thanks for the reminder!
This year I am buying new toys to give to Santa’s Annonymous (I don’t know if they have something similar in Ontario or not!) but it’s an awesome charity where they give kids who can’t afford Christmas ( :( ) brand spankin’ new toys on Christmas morning. Volunteers sign up and deliver them to houses all over the city!
My fiance and I have talked a ton about donating food once a week when we do our grocery shop. I really think that it’s important to do those little things throughout the year, and this weekend I am going to start DOING what I’ve been thinking of doing. A couple cans of soup/chili won’t kill my budget, but it will make a big difference to someone in need.
:) have a wonderful day.
Thanks for reminding me about the toy donations..I donated some toys a few years back, but I would like to do it again this year.
Oh, I love donating toys! It makes me realize how spoiled I really am. Have a beautiful day everyone :D