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.
What a great idea! My family and I just bought Thanksgiving Day meals for a few families in our area. I thought it was interesting that they are in need of items other than food… I will donate those items, as well, as I think most people overlook them.
Thank you for sharing what this holiday is really about — you rock!
That is a wonderful idea!!! I will definitely donate some food items here, My parents are missionaries and we operate a food bank where we work, so I know just how much it means to people who recieve the food. Also, it just feels great to give something to someone who needs it, doesn’t it?
I donate food through my church’s food drive. I also try and do it throughout the year, and not just during the holidays! People are hungry EVERY day!
This is awesome :) well done, you! My family and I try to donate to the needy whenever we possibly can :)
I love the idea! I totally agree with “One of my goals is to start donating food on a regular basis (not only during the holidays, although the holidays are good reminders).”
I found I was donating only around the holidays and decided to change this with one easy step! I grocery shop every Friday or Saturday (love grocery shopping!) and every week I buy one item to donate to the food bank and drop it in the bin on the way out. All of our grocery stores in my city have bins at the exit for the food bank – nice and simple!
that is a great idea!
Great post Angela! People can also check out Food Banks Canada’s website to find the closest food bank to their area to donate. The site also provides ways to get involved outside of food donations.
www.foodbankscanada.ca.
I love this idea! I’m actually donating food and children books for my school’s Christmas baskets.
I’m moving in a week or two, and I’ve found that this is a perfect time of year to do so. All the extra clothes and pantry goods I’ve rounded up will go to one of the many clothing/food drives in town.
Great idea and yes I would love to help, I donate and volunteer as much as I can and I agree that I want to do ALL year around.
:)
In middle school my campus ministry brought a group of us to a food bank once a week, so that everyone went once a month. We’d have contests among the grades to see who could bring in the most food each week!! It really is such an easy way to help those in need. Seeing how happy the people who came into the food bank were to receive their groceries always left such an impression on me.
Great idea! Food drives aren’t just for schools or organizations anymore. I think it’s great that you are giving some “healthier” items so that the receivers will have some wholesome options. Us healthy living bloggers have learned how to live healthier lives, but it’s important to share what we know. Every little bit counts! [I’m in!]
Have a lovely day!
xox
Great Reminder! I buy an extra non perishable item or two every time I’m at the grocery store and put it in the bins there before I leave. It’s not much, but I’d like to think over the year I manage to help out some people who are less fortunate.
Angela –
What a great idea! Just another thought for all the generous commenters – even though donating food is a really tangible way of feeling like you’ve made a difference often a monetary donation is more powerful for the foodbank. They can often get better deals on food than you as an individual purchaser might. They can also use it to buy whichever items in their inventory are lowest at any given time.
Awesomeness! Great idea Angela!
I’m excited to be participating this year in a fundraiser for a local food bank through my yoga studio. They had the brilliant idea of doing a yogathon :) did you ever do jog-a-thons in elementary school? They offered participants a super reduced unlimited monthly rate, and the more classes we go to, the more the food bank gets. We get sponsors to pledge either a flat rate or some amount per class we go to. My parents pledged $2 per class, so if I make it to class 20 times that’s 40 bucks!
I have two bags of pasta and beans in the truck! I found out that the kitchen at my local Canadian Mental Health Services was running low on everything so got everyone at work to bring items. We’re taking it down on Friday : )
whohoo!
We are definitely participating!! Thank you for spreading the word of need :)!!
I’m curious….what is your FAVORITE lens to use while doing food photography? I’m currently going to school for Photography, and I’d love to know which lens you like best!! Which by the way-your pictures are always stunning!
My fav lens is the only one Ive ever used ;)
Canon 50mm 1.4 macro
Just wanted to let you know that this post really inspired me this morning & I’m now organizing a neighborhood Turkey Trot… in lieu of a registration, we’re taking a free-will donation to our local food pantry. I’m hoping to inspire some of my readers to do the same through a ‘virtual’ Turkey Trot as well :)
Great idea! At our church, we have a food basket that people can donate to and anyone can come take food out of it. We also have a Saturday morning breakfast for homeless or low-income people who want breakfast!