October 25, 2023
Run a Canned Food Drive
This time of year can highlight the food scarcity for many in our communities. During this time of giving back, a canned food drive is a simple way to help others that may be struggling.
This time of year can highlight the food scarcity for many in our communities. During this time of giving back, a canned food drive is a simple way to help others that may be struggling. This endeavor may sound overwhelming, but it is only as big as you make it out to be. If you have never done a canned food drive, pick 1-3 locations for donations and work closely with a local food bank so you can focus your efforts. You can do this!
What do I need?
A canned food drive requires very little materials. You need the following basics:
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Paper
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Basic Art Supplies
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Cardboard boxes (or other receptacles for collecting decorations)
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Social Media (helpful but not required)
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Local Businesses willing to house donation boxes
Where to Start?
Although this template breaks things down by day, feel free to adjust the timeline based on your own personal schedule and your available time commitment. Remember, any amount of donations you gather will be helpful! It is best to start small this year and work to grow next year rather than start big and become overwhelmed and burnt out!
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Day 1: Explore. What are Random Acts of Kindness? Food scarcity is real—no one should go home tonight and worry about what they might eat. Our food drive can help with that! Make sure to contact a local church or food bank for more details on how to give what is collected. |
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Day 2: Food Drive Advertising Get the word out! Create posters and social media posts to announce the food drive; make sure to use every avenue possible. Invite friends to use their own social media as well if desired. Decide on a hashtag to help spread the word. Include WHERE to donate (boxes outside your home or in office), WHAT is needed (ask a food bank for a list) and your COLLECTION DEADLINE. |
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Day 3: Start Collecting! Place labeled cardboard boxes in designated areas with approval (local businesses, your home, etc.). Have local businesses share information about the food drive in person or on their social media channels as well. As a group, set a goal based on the amount of time you have to collect items. |
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Day 4: Collect and Sort Gather items from all donation boxes. Begin to sort the items by genre (meat/protein, box meals, toiletries, etc.). And if you are tallying, update the scoreboard online. If time allows, announce updated numbers and ask for additional donations in certain areas that may be lagging. |
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Days 5-10: Collect, Sort, and Deliver! Gather items from all donation boxes and sort them one last time. Update your numbers and announce totals. Deliver your donations (or load the delivery truck from the food bank, etc.) to complete your food drive! If time allows, reflect on how it felt to collect food for others. |
Most of all, remember to have fun and spread kindness as you help others.
KINDNESS…PASS IT ON.
