Common Sense Solution to Hunger	Member Login
	HOME ABOUT US Mission & History Board of Directors Financial Information Programs & Services Day at the Food Bank FAQ's Staff Directory Contact Us HELP OUT Donate Food Make A Donation Volunteer NETWORK Policies Application Process Agency Network News Member Login EVENTS Chefs’ Feast Other Events RESOURCES Articles on Hunger Eat Well – Be Well Hunger & Homelessness Database MEDIA Publications Press Releases Media Packet Request Form

Organizing A Food Drive

Why Hold a Food Drive?
Hunger in South Carolina is a year-round crisis. An approximate 384,000 South Carolinians seek food assistance each year from charitable feeding programs served by the Lowcountry Food Bank. One in four children in the Lowcountry lives in poverty and is at risk of being food insecure.

The Lowcountry Food Bank is a private, non-profit organization that is dedicated to distributing food to more than 400 charitable feeding programs that assist the needy and hungry throughout the ten coastal counties of South Carolina. Food is donated to us by a variety of sources including local food drives.

By sponsoring a food drive, your business, school, church, or organization can help alleviate hunger in South Carolina. Food drives contribute much needed nonperishable food items that help stock the shelves of food pantries and other food assistance programs. A food drive is a great activity that is easy and rewarding. Everyone in your organization can get involved and make a difference.

Start by assigning someone to be in charge of organizing the food drive. This person oversees the promotion of the drive, placement of collecting boxes, and work directly with the Food Bank. You can also form committees to handle aspects of the food drive such as promotions, activities, etc.

Promoting Your Food Drive
Promote your food drive at least two weeks in advance. Posters and flyers should list the date(s) of the drive, who the food will go to and what foods are needed. Place collection containers in well traveled areas such as entrances, hallways, etc. Send notices by email, in employee boxes, or as payroll stuffers.

Collecting Food
Use boxes or barrels to collect the food. Boxes can be decorated for visibility and add fun to your food drive. Place the boxes in convenient, highly traveled locations of your building such as lobbies, cafeterias, etc.

Arranging Pick-Up Date and Time
Contact the Food Bank at 747-8146, ext. 109 or e-mail us to arrange a time for your collected food to be dropped off or picked up. If the amount of collected food can fit in a car, we gratefully ask you to drop it off to us, due to our limited number of drivers and their busy schedules.

<< Back

©2005 Lowcountry Food Bank • 1635 Cosgrove Avenue, Charleston, SC 29405 • (843) 747-8146 • fax (843) 747-8147