Tips for a Healthy Food Drive
1. Set a goal
Set a goal for the amount of food, goods and funds to be raised. Setting a target helps your group to build momentum. Goals can be set based on previous year’s drive amounts based on the number of participants, or based on a number that means something to your group.
For comparison purposes, count each dollar donated as equaling five pounds of food! Periodic updates on your progress create excitement throughout the event or drive.
Register your drive here.
2. Rally the Troops!
Family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, faith or civic community groups are very effective fundraising groups. Brainstorm fun ideas together and plan the event and the logistics. Donate & Do combines a group volunteer experience at VEAP with a food, goods or fund drive. Email volunteerdept@veap.org for details.
3. Promote Your Food Drive
Share information throughout your community and/or organization to generate interest and involvement early in the process. Share your goal, what you are looking for, deadline for donations, how to donate and a contact person who can answer questions. Tag VEAP on Facebook and Twitter when promoting your drive and we will like and comment on your posts, creating more excitement.
- Create posters and flyers
- Send emails
- Hold contests/challenges
- Newsletter articles, Church bulletins
- Payroll inserts
- Public service announcements
- Fun rewards for reaching goal
- Themed food drive (i.e., Mexican food drive, after-school snack drive)
- Match pounds of food with dollars
- Unique collection displays
4. Determine the Type of Container for Collecting Your Items
VEAP has a limited supply of collection boxes that can be borrowed. Please pack boxes to weigh no more than 35 pounds. Arrange volunteers ahead of time to pack boxes and load items into vehicles.
5. Complete Your Drive
Your campaign has ended. It’s a success! It’s time to bring the donations to VEAP.
9600 Aldrich Avenue South
Bloomington, MN 55420
Please bring donations to the rear garage door entrance. We are open Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Increase the value of your donation by delivering it directly to VEAP. Please call ahead (952.955.8305)if you expect to bring in more than 1,000 pounds (more than a mini-van full) so we can prepare for your delivery. If you are unable to deliver, you can arrange to have VEAP pick up your donation. Please call the Food Program Operations Manager at 952.888.8305 to set up a pickup.
