Host a Food Drive
Community food drives are a critical source of food for Second Harvest Food Bank. Food donations from businesses, schools, community organizations and individuals generate thousands of meals for families, children and seniors each year.
Tips for a Successful Food DrivePlan Ahead
Select a start and end date for your food drive
Pick up collection boxes and tape for your drive at Second Harvest Food Bank, Monday - Friday from 8 am - 4pm
Greater New Orleans Warehouse:
700 Edwards Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70123
504.734.1322
Lafayette Warehouse
215 East Pinhook Road
Lafayette, LA 70501
337.237.7711
Establish collection sites -- near entrances, lunch/break rooms, time clocks
Suggest nutritious foods for participants to donate such as:
peanut butter
soups / stews
canned fruits / vegetables
canned meats (chicken, beef, ham)
tuna fish
chili
cereal
hot cereals (grits, oatmeal)
beans
juice
rice
pasta
shelf stable milk
Consider a themed food drive -- peanut butter and jelly, red beans and rice, gone fishing (tuna fish), breakfast foods, or a color coordinated food drive.
Set a Goal
Identify a goal for pounds of food or number of meals to be collected (a meal is 1.28 pounds of food)
Consider a competition between groups, departments, classes, etc.
Remind employees of your company's matching gift program whereby the company matches financial contributions or the amount of food collected
Motivate Participants to Reach the Goal
Give updates and thank participants
Promote the food drive through:
Host a food drive launch event to announce the food drive
Send e-blast reminders before and during the food drive to remind everyone to bring
canned goods
Post food drive information in internal newsletters or intranets
Offer incentives or prizes to individuals or teams -- a casual dress day, pizza / ice cream party, or gift certificates
Take photos of participants with the food collected to use in future newsletters and e-blasts, or to post on websites and bulletin boards.
Food Drive Follow Up
Deliver collected food to the Second Harvest Food Bank Warehouse. Items may be delivered Monday - Friday from 8 am until 4 pm. Don't forget to label food boxes with your organization's name.
Greater New Orleans Warehouse:
700 Edwards Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70123
504.734.1322
Lafayette Warehouse
215 East Pinhook Road
Lafayette, LA 70501
337.237.7711
If you collect more food than can be transported in a truck, van or SUV, please contact Second Harvest Food Bank to arrange a pick up.
Announce your results. Make sure participants know how much food was collected toward the goal and thank them for their participation.
For more information on hosting a food drive, contact Christina Lott at 504.729.2830.
Plan a volunteer day at Second Harvest Food Bank. Invite participants to volunteer and learn first hand how their food donation is sorted, packaged and delivered to food pantries across south Louisiana.
Read more on volunteering your time at Second Harvest Food Bank.