How to Coordinate a Food Drive

Holding a food drive is a great opportunity for your organization to join in AFAC’s efforts to feed our neighbors in need. Food drives allow everyone to participate in the fight against hunger, and the small efforts of individuals really add up. The groceries collected by your organization will be distributed directly to families in need right here in Arlington. Just follow the simple steps below.

1. Organize!

• Discuss your plans with the head of your organization.
• Pick the date(s) of the drive.
• Decide on a theme or target particular food items, ex: cereal or pasta
• Contact the AFAC Food Drive Coordinator, Carlton Crockett (carlton.crockett@afac.org or 703-845-8486), to let him know about your food drive or to ask any questions.

2. Publicize!

• Copy and put up the AFAC Food Drive Poster in strategic locations so people can see them.
• Get the word out through newsletters, emails, web sites, voicemails, and other verbal and written announcements.
• Send out a list of the targeted food items.
• Distribute/put out the AFAC information materials.

3. Drive!

• In a central location, provide collection boxes that are clearly marked for collecting food.
• Send email reminders and updates throughout the duration of the drive encouraging people to bring food in.
• Bring in Food!

4. After the Drive

• During and/or after the drive, have volunteers deliver the food to AFAC. We’ll weigh your food and send you a receipt. Call ahead to let us know when you will be delivering the food.
• Thank key volunteers and all participants who donated food.
• Let everyone know about the success of your food drive. Post the results wherever you publicized the drive.
• Send communications@afac.org photos of your food drive so we can thank you on our website and in our weekly e-newsletter.

Thank you in advance!