It’s the holiday season, which is the most common time of
year for there to be food drives in the community. Is your school hosting one?
Maybe just your classroom? We have some tips to help make your food drive go
over better than you could have hoped.
·
Find out what food pantries actually need. Some
food banks, for example, may have recently received many donations of canned
vegetables and pasta, but be very low on canned protein. This way you can
provide a list of items that are the most needed to your students.
·
Ask students to donate healthy food items. Food
banks and food pantries are usually looking for non-perishable, nutritious
foods that are low in sodium and sugar. While they will take a donation of
chips or candy, it is not what people down on their luck really need.
·
Challenge your students to think like a person
or family going to a food pantry. What if that person is homeless? What if
their electricity is turned off? It is important to donate many types of food.
A box of pasta can feed an entire family, but what about people who cannot
cook? Make sure to ask for items that don’t require a stove such as peanut
butter, instant oatmeal, and granola bars. Canned goods that have a pop top are
great as well.
·
Consider collecting cash as well as food items.
Food banks often have connections with wholesale establishments, enabling them
to get food at a much cheaper price than us. Money goes a long way when it
comes to food drives.
·
Set a goal. Your students will be more motivated
if there’s a goal they’re supposed to reach. You may choose to reward them if
they meet the goal, such as by giving a pizza party.
·
Worried about your students understanding the
importance of a food drive? Work it into your lessons. Use a holiday themed
story such as “A Christmas Carol” to show how important it is for us to help
those in need.
·
Don’t rule out collecting other items that are
needed besides food. You can collect toys for local toy drives, or toiletry
items. Another great item to collect, especially for those of you living in
colder climates, are items for cold weather (hats, mittens, scarves, coats,
etc).
We hope these tips will help your
food drive to be a huge success. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and don’t
forget to take some time to help those who are not as fortunate as yourself.
