Host a Food Drive for Your School

HOST A FOOD DRIVE FOR YOUR SCHOOL In collaboration with the Seattle Council PTSA and Food for Schools

Help support students in your school community with a Food and Hygiene Drive at your house, business or community location. It’s simple – just follow these 5 easy steps:

STEP 1: Select the school you want to support. Contact the PTSA for a list of suggested items of greatest need for the students (i.e. items for backpack program, hygiene items). See the reverse for a suggested list of items to request.

STEP 2: Send out emails or flyers to promote the event. You can either hold a specific event with a fun theme or have donors drop off items at your business or on your porch. Some families hold food drives in lieu of presents for birthdays and other holidays. The choice is yours - here’s some sample language:

Hi, I’m holding a food drive at my (house/office/church/etc.) to support students at . Please help with donations:  Event Date (s) and Time (for a house or office event)  Where: the address  Contact Info: your info  Donations Needed: Insert the item list from the other side Thank you, Signature

Use any container you wish, though keep in mind that smaller containers are easier to move and carry. Feel free to decorate with any signs or attention-getters. Contact your school PTSA for artwork, sign or logo. Don’t forget to use social media to promote your food drive!

STEP 3: Drop off donations at the School Food Pantry or the local Food Bank that supports your school. If you need boxes, check your local market.

STEP 4: Thank your donors. Take a picture of the donations to include with thank you notes. Post a photo in your workplace, on social media or in a newsletter.

STEP 5: Let us know how it went, what worked and what didn’t. Feedback and questions: SCPTSA Student Hunger Coordinator, Tasha Irvine, [email protected], 206-550-9506.

2016-17 Host a Food Drive for Your School FOOD DRIVE SUGGESTED DONATIONS

EVERYDAY FOOD ITEMS

 Single-Serve Packets of Oatmeal  Canned Ravioli & Spaghetti  Instant Breakfast Shakes  Canned Beans & Refried beans  Shelf-stable Milk  Canned Chili, Stews & Hearty Soups  Pudding Cups  Canned Tuna & Chicken  Granola Bars  Canned Fruit (packed in juice)  Microwave Popcorn  Applesauce & Fruit Cups (no sugar)  Whole-grain Crackers  Canned Vegetables (low-sodium)  Raisins (serving size packets)  Small Containers of Nuts & Trail mix  Dried 100% Fruit Leather  Peanut Butter and other Nut Butters  Dried Jerky & Meat Sticks  Rice & Pasta  Instant Meals (Cup Noodles, Rice-a-Roni,  Vegetarian Meals Macaroni & Cheese)

FOR COSTCO SHOPPERS

 Quaker Instant Oatmeal (52 ct)  Smucker’s Jam (200 ct)  Nature Valley Oat & Honey (49 ct)  Ritz Crackers (18 ct)  Cliff Z Bars (36 ct)  Kraft Mac & Cheese (18 ct)  Kirkland Individually Packaged Trail Mix  Kirkland or Healthy Choice Chicken (18 ct) Noodle/Rice Soup (8 ct)  Cup Noodles (24 ct)  Campbell’s On The Go Tomato/Chicken Soup (8 ct)  Jif Individual Peanut Butter (36 ct)  Dole Fruit Cups  All Fruit Gummies  Pretzels (64 ct) 

PERSONAL & HYGIENE ITEMS

 Deodorant  Body Lotion  Bar Soap & Shower Gel  New Toothbrushes, Toothpaste & Floss  New Brushes & Combs  Laundry Soap Pods or Small Packets  Shampoo & Conditioner  Lip Balm (Chapstick)  Feminine Hygiene Products  Gently-used or New Backpacks/Tote Bags  New Underwear  New Socks

2016-17 Host a Food Drive for Your School Feedback and Questions: SCPTSA Student Hunger Coordinator, Tasha Irvine, [email protected], 206-550-9506

2016-17 Host a Food Drive for Your School