Throughout the year local organizations, churches, businesses, and individuals help Nacogdoches HOPE by hosting food drives.  Food drives supplement the food we purchase through East Texas Food Bank and help HOPE provide food diversity.  Food drives are an easy way to unite communities and to make a difference for our neighbors facing hunger. Filling up a food drive box is a tangible way for kids—and adults—to see the impact of their efforts.  The pantry welcomes donations of shelf-stable, dry grocery goods which are have not been opened or leaked.  Be careful when donating things in glass containers.  Due to the possibility of breakage those need to be delivered separately to the pantry in a safe way.

HOPE is very appreciative of these types of donations and our community’s generosity.

When planning a food drive there are five easy things to consider that’ll help make your drive successful.

Connect with Nacogdoches HOPE before you start your drive.

• Check to see what is most needed. Remember food pantries can buy (at great discounts) food staples from our local food bank partner, East Texas Food Bank.  It will be a ‘no name’ brand you will not be able to purchase but it is consistently supplied and discounted to cover their delivery costs.
• Get the name of the contact person at HOPE who can answer questions and coordinate a drop off delivery date and time.
• Get information on how to share your food drive on social media with HOPE.

 

1. Consider a fully virtual food drive.
   Did you know that monetary donations can have a bigger impact than donating food for most pantries who can usually buy staples at low cost. Pantries have many other operating expenses to cover like insurance, freezers, electricity etc. that keep the doors open. In addition, there are no heavy boxes to deliver!


2. Get your family and friends involved.
   Share your drive! Even if it is a work or church drive let your family and friends know they are welcomed to participate. Post it on your social media, call or email a family member. Your passion may inspire others.


3. Add cash pledges to the mix.
   Pledges are great for folks who aren’t geographically close to donate or who are not social media people. Just get pledgers to donate cash based on the number of food items collected.


4. Make it fun! Remember to thank all your donors.
   It can be a friendly competition with teams to encourage and motivate more participation.