How do I start a community pantry?

Want to set up a community pantry in your area? Here’s what you will need

1. Enjoin the cooperation of family members, friends and the whole neighborhood.
2. List what you need.
3. Look for a spot that’s easily accessible.
4. Have volunteers to repack the items.
5. Put up a sign.
6. Encourage people to donate in kind.

How do you organize food distribution?

1. Step 1: PICK A LOCAL GROUP THAT NEEDS FOOD.
2. Step 2: DECIDE HOW YOU WANT TO COLLECT FOOD.
3. Step 3: ASSESS VOLUNTEER NEEDS.
4. Step 4: FIND A DROP-OFF LOCATION.
5. Step 5: RECRUIT AND MANAGE VOLUNTEERS.
6. Step 6: GET THE WORD OUT.
7. Step 7: FINAL PREP ARRANGEMENTS.
8. Step 8: EVENT DAY.

How do I start a successful food bank?

You can help fight hunger by starting a food bank of your own. Start by finding a space to hold your food, and set up a food drive to build up a food reserve. Then meet with clients in your community, and start distributing foods on a monthly or bi-weekly schedule.

How do food pantries determine need?

At the majority of food pantries, eligibility is based on self-attested need. You do not need to have a referral, and income is not a factor to receive food. At some pantries, you may be asked to provide a form of identification and/or proof of your address, or you may be asked how many people live with you.

Who can join the community pantry?

A community pantry serves everyone—not just one person. The people who first initiated this response to a clarion call started this to help out the needy and underprivileged. Personal agenda should be thrown out the window. As the well-known parable goes, the Good Samaritan never asked to be named.

Why are canned food drives held?

Food & Fund Drives are a great way for schools, offices, community groups, and places of worship to join Food Lifeline in ending hunger. Drives are held year-round and are an important source of non-perishable food for the network of food programs that Food Lifeline supports.

How do you hold a food drive?

How to Organize a Food Drive in Your Community

1. Select a local charity to receive your donations.
2. Set a goal.
3. Plan your collection sites.
4. Reserve your location.
5. Recruit volunteers.
6. Advertise.
7. Event day.
8. Deliver your donations to your local food bank.

Can you just turn up at a food bank?

Food banks without referral: can you go to one without a referral? The Citizens Advice Bureau explain that you can visit an independent local food bank without a referral, but if there aren’t any local to you, you’ll need to get a referral.

How many locations does Second Harvest Food Bank have?

We provide food to our Partner Network of 264 local charities and organizations in all 34 cities in Orange County. They distribute food to those in need at more than 300 locations such as: Food Pantries at Houses of Worship.