How To Organize A Food Drive


This is a fun way to get friends, family and your community involved. 
  1. Plan - Contact IFM to inform them of your drive.
    • Set a date(s) - It can last one day or 1 week
    • Decide if you will collect non-perishable food, cash or both
  1. Top Food Items -
    • Canned Proteins - peanut butter, tuna, chicken, salmon, beans (canned or dry)
    • Grains - rice, oatmeal, macaroni and cheese, dry pasta
    • Canned Vegetables
    • Canned Fruit
    • Soups - Any variety, chili, beef stew, top ramen
    • Cereal 

  2. Collection - consider how you will collect non-perishable food and/or monetary donations. IFM has white collection barrels and/or boxes that can be borrowed. Please consider how food will be sorted either as it is received or at the end of the food drive. Boxes should be sorted and labeled according to the "Top Food Item" headings. ie: soup, cereal, canned fruit, etc.)

  3. Location - Select a location where both you and your collection bins are very visible. Make it obvious as to where donors make their contributions.

  4. Promotion - Spread the word! Tell everyone you know!
    • Pass out flyers
    • Post flyers around town
    • Contact newspapers, radio, TV
    • Use social media like Facebook, Twitter
    • Email all your friends and have them email their friend. For specific information and contacts see the Publicity - How To Page.


  5. Wrap it Up - When the food drive is over please  contact IFM to arrange delivery of donations. Delivery Hours: M-W-F 8 am - 9:30 am or noon- 1pm. T-TH 7:30 am - 9:30 am

    Thank everyone for their participation (volunteers and donors). Send personal notes or place a KUDOS in The Union. Let them know how important their partnership is to the IFM volunteers, board and the families in our community who benefit from their donations.