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how to run a successful food drive 

permanent supportive housing

A great way to partner with HSI is by running a food drive in support of our Health and Wellness Initiative that provides emergency food pantry to those in need at our sites. Great locations for food drives include workplaces, schools, apartment or office buildings, houses of worship, places of commerce, and other community hubs where there are lots of people who can join in.

 
  • Selecting dates

First, decide on dates for your food drive. Food drives can run as little as two hours or for up to two months. The average drive is usually about 2 to 3 weeks.



  • Choosing your locations

If you have multiple locations, you may want to recruit someone at each of those sites to help you manage donations. Select high-traffic areas where the barrels and signage will be noticeable and convenient for donor. Be sure to consider safety and security issues when choosing your locations. Make sure to get permission and support from who you need to - i.e. employee management, school officials, building and apartment staff etc.



  • Setting a goal

​Setting a goal is a good way to motivate your donors and it provides a sense of accomplishment at the end of your drive. Common goals can be set around the number of pound per person donated, number of barrels or boxes collected, the number of most wanted items  delivered. 



  • Scheduling delivery and pick-up

Once you have planned your drive, you should contact HSI to arrange for delivery of barrels, donation envelopes, and other supplies you may need to conduct your drive. If you have your own boxes or containers we will send promotional material to affix to them. 



Be creative and have fun with it!



​MOST NEEDED FOODS
Peanut Butter
Beans
Canned Fruits and Vegetables
Tuna
Canned Meat
Stew
Soup
Pasta
Cereal
Meals in a can
Fruit Juice
Canned Foods with pop-top lids



WHAT WE CANT USE

rusty or unlabeled cans

any expired foods

perishable items 
homemade items
noncommercial canned items

glass containerized items unless kept separately 

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