By Megan Atiyeh
Last week, Engage PR spent several hours at the Alameda Food Bank, a non-profit community agency that will provide over one million pounds of food to low-income families throughout Alameda. Due to the very tough economy this year, the need is higher than ever. The Food Bank has seen double digit growth in the number of families that need help—many seeking assistance for the first time.
For our quarterly community service project, we sorted food and assembled small and large holiday “boxes.” Once we adjusted to the temperature in the warehouse (think frozen meat locker) and figured out a system, we really got rolling—completing more than four pallets of holiday boxes. In the process, we learned some important dos and don’ts that we hope people will consider before donating food.
Top Five Dos
- If possible, find out in advance if the agency has specific needs. Many post this information on its website or will provide a list in advance.
- Donate healthy canned “sides” (yams, pumpkin, condensed milk, olives and cranberry sauce).
- Don’t forget stuffing, instant mashed potatoes, rice, and nuts.
- Canned fruits and vegetables are good healthy donation options.
- Frosting…frosting….frosting. The Food Bank receives quite a few cake mix donations but not as much frosting.
Top Five Don’ts
- Donation requests are not a reason to clean out your pantry of expired items
- Diet food. Just say no to Atkins and Jenny Craig or anything fat free or sugar free.
- Please do not donate anything that has already been opened (see #1).
- Avoid Ziploc bags filled with miscellaneous items (hard candy, mints, Taco Bell hot sauce packets, random seasoning packets, etc.).
- Unwanted items – chances are, if you do not want that can of mince meats or quail eggs, no one else will either!
A good general rule of thumb for donating food items – think about what you would want to eat at your dinner table.
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