November and December are the busiest months of the year at Perinton Food Shelf. Heating bills climb, kids are home for winter break, and more families need help putting meals on the table. A food drive is one of the most powerful ways to help, and it’s easier to run than you might think.
Workplaces, schools, churches, scout troops, sports teams, and neighborhood groups host successful drives with us every year. Here’s how to plan yours.
Step by Step
- Let us know you’re hosting a food drive. Reach out to us so we can add your drive to our calendar, share tips, and provide our Most Needed Items List.
- Pick your dates. One to two weeks is the sweet spot. Long enough for people to remember to bring items, short enough to keep the energy up.
- Choose your collection spot. Put your bin somewhere with lots of foot traffic, like a break room, front office, lobby, or church entrance. Label it clearly so no one mistakes it for recycling.
- Set a goal. A goal gives people something to rally around. Try a target number of pounds, boxes, or meals. A thermometer chart on the wall is a fun way to show progress.
- Share the Most Needed Items list. Point participants to our updated list so donations match what families need right now. Remind everyone to skip glass jars, expired food, opened packages, and homemade items.
- Spread the word. Use email, social media, newsletters, bulletins, and announcements. Send a reminder halfway through and again a day or two before the drive ends. Tag us (@perintonfoodshelf) so we can cheer you on!
- Wrap it up. Sort what you collected, discarding expired foods and other items that we cannot accept. Thank your participants, and share your results!
- Deliver Your Donations. Bring everything to Perinton Food Shelf during donation hours. For large collections, contact us and we’ll arrange a pickup or a time to meet you. Please don’t leave items outside after hours, since we would have to discard anything left for safety reasons.
Tips for a Successful Food Drive
- Add friendly competition. Classroom vs. classroom or department vs. department challenges can double your results. A small prize, like a pizza party or bragging rights trophy, goes a long way.
- Try theme days. “Stuffing Saturday,” “Breakfast Week,” or “Soup’s On Monday” keep things fun and help fill specific gaps on our shelves.
- Make it a holiday tradition. Tie your drive to an event people already attend, like a holiday party, concert, or game night. Ask guests to bring an item as their “ticket.”
- Include personal care items. Toothpaste and toilet paper can’t be bought with SNAP benefits, so they’re always in demand.
Thank You
Every can, box, and bag your group collects helps a neighbor enjoy a warm meal this season. Thank you for rallying your community for ours.
Questions about hosting a drive? Contact us. We’d love to help you get started.
