Food For Thought: Your Guide to Planning a Successful Food and Fund Drive
We’re thrilled to have you on board for your Food and Fund Drive! We deeply appreciate our community hosting food and fund drives every day of the year, especially during the summer months when we typically receive fewer food donations. Just a quick reminder – please make sure to register your food and fund drive using our simple registration form. Once you’ve registered, our team will be in touch with all the details you need.
Generate excitement for your event by exploring our Food and Fund Drive Resource Kit, including posters, our logos, and a list of fun themes for you to share in promotion of your event.
Start building momentum by setting a goal for your event. The average amount raised is 280 lbs!
Once your event wraps up (and the confetti settles), visit us by scheduling a volunteering experience or tour. Come to our facilities at 1085 Winnipeg Avenue, where the magic of your generosity comes to life, and see firsthand the difference your donations make! To apply, please click here.
Thank you once again for your support!
Questions: Ashley Routhier – Community Food Drive and Events Associate
arouthier@harvestmanitoba.ca / 204-982-3678
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of food should I collect for a food drive?
Non-perishable food items that are high in protein and nutritious are ideal. We are also currently in great need of canned soups and stews.
Here are our top 10 most needed food items:
- Canned Fruit
- Canned Soup/Stews
- Canned Tuna
- Canned Vegetables
- Pasta
- Pasta Sauce
- Rice
- Peanut Butter
- Baby Formula/Food
- Instant Oatmeal
Why do you need my help right now?
Now, more than ever, a record amount of Manitobans are forced to make impossible decisions, like putting food on the table or paying the bills. Our statistics from this past year demonstrate the enormous gaps our clients are struggling with:
- In March of 2023, we reached an all-time high for the number of households turning to food banks in a single month- 22,000
- The demand for our services has increased by 150% since March of 2020
- Nearly half of the people that we feed are children
- In our Harvest Voices 2022 survey, 73% of food bank survey respondents identified having an annual income of less than $20,000
- More than 1 in 4 Manitoba children live in poverty
Is there a greater need for food or financial donations?
Although we’re grateful to receive donations of any kind, financial donations are crucial during economic uncertainty. During the start of the pandemic, Harvest had to purchase food for the first time in history to meet the demands of our clients. Our buying power means that your donated dollar stretches further and that we can buy more food at a lower cost.
Will Harvest Manitoba pick up the food I’ve collected?
Yes! For large food donations, we’ll come to you and pick up the food.
Can I get a food collection bin?
Yes, we’d be happy to provide you with Harvest Manitoba branded food bins for food drives!
Who do I contact if I have questions?
If you have any questions about hosting a food and fund drive, please contact community events at community.events@harvestmanitoba.ca.