>>Click here to read about the Virtual Food Drive

Food Drives are an essential source of food for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. The National Association of Letter Carriers Food Drive in May, The Summer Food Drive in July and August and the Scouting for Food drive in the Fall are the three largest drives of the year.

Supplementing these efforts are hundreds of smaller campaigns held at businesses, schools and organizations throughout the state. The Food Bank is so grateful for such initiatives, as it relies heavily on food donations to distribute much needed food to struggling Rhode Islanders.

Here’s some information to help you get started on your food drive!

Guidelines for a Successful Food Drive

• Establish a contact person and/or committee that will create a theme, manage the communications and logistics, and set the goals.
• Define a timeline for the drive.
• Obtain strong collection containers (plastic bins, heavy cardboard boxes, etc.), properly identify them (RICFB will provide you with posters), and place them in strategically located places that are convenient for all your target donors.
• Advertise and promote your food drive through newspapers, fliers, memos, and e-mails including the dates of the drive and locations of the bins.
• Arrange for the transportation of your collection to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. A helpful tip is to reach out to a neighboring business with transporation resource for assistance and to get them involved.
• If your collection exceeds 400 items, the Food Bank may be able to coordinate a pick-up.
• Communicate the results of your drive and celebrate your success with your participants

With rising Transportation costs making our ability to acquire food difficult, we appreciate your ability to coordinate delivery of your food collection to our facility.

Most Needed Food Items

• Protein: Canned Soup, Tuna, Meat, Peanut Butter, Nuts
• Canned Fruits and Vegetables including Juices and Dried Fruit and Tomato Sauce
• Carbohydrates:  Nutritious Breakfast Cereals, Whole Wheat Pasta, Brown Rice, Boxed Macaroni & Cheese
• Crackers, Granola Bars, Cheese & Cracker Packages
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Canned or Dried Beans

Please watch for expiration dates. Food item’s use by or best if sold by date should not be over six months old. No glass jars of baby food please. Boxed cereals and formula are needed if they are unopened and within date code.

For more information or assistance on setting up a food drive, contact Bruce Zarembka by phone at (401) 942-6325 ext. 223 or by email.