Hosting a Food Drive for Manna
Host a Food Drive for Manna
Thank you for planning and managing a food drive. This initiative helps provide food to those in need and raises awareness about food insecurity in the community.
How to Run a Successful Food Drive
• Collection Location: Identify whether you will collect at Food Basics, YIGS, your workplace, school, church, or a community setting or event.
• Collection Goal: Set a clear target amount to collect.
• Collection Timeline: Define precise start and end dates. Clear timelines are essential for success.
• Focus Donation: Utilize our "10 most wanted" items posters for guidance. Providing direction will greatly assist our clients.
• Organizers: Inform us about your food drive so we can prepare for your donation.
Promoting Your Food Drive
o Promotion on our social media pages
o Notify Town of Bracebridge and Discover Muskoka webpages and social media accounts
o Share the event with your customers, employees, and friends through your newsletter or social media, and tag Manna
o Share updated photos of your progress
Focus on High Need items
✓ Canned fish
✓ Canned fruit or applesauce unsweetened
✓ Soups and stews
✓ Canned pasta sauce
✓ Pasta
✓ Peanut butter
✓ Personal care items
✓ Baby Care Items
AFTER THE FOOD DRIVE
Organize food donations in boxes and check expiration dates. Manna will distribute food if it’s less than 1 year past its expiration date.
We weigh all donations and can provide you with a total to share with participants.
Call ahead to arrange drop-off or pick-up, and ensure that volunteers are available to assist. This is a great photo opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to run a food drive?
Food insecurity can occur year-round, so donate when it's convenient for your organization. Donations usually decrease in late winter and summer.
How long should the food drive last?
We suggest limiting the drive to 2-3 weeks. Successful food drives often involve setting up a table at the front of YIGS or Food Basics for a half or full day, collecting food while promoting the business.
Can Manna accept perishable items?
For a food drive, it is recommended to donate nonperishable items. Manna has refrigeration facilities and can properly handle perishable items as well.
Can your food drive accept monetary donations for Manna?
Yes, include donor names and emails for tax receipts.
Who do we contact if we have any questions or would like a tour of Manna? Call Brian 705 646-0114 or email info@mannafoodbank.ca
Who will our donation be helping?
Manna Food Bank helps over 900 people in Muskoka monthly. Clients can visit the food bank every three weeks and receive enough food to feed their families for over a week.
