Representatives of the Chi Rho Omega, Knightdale Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. came by Inter-Faith Food Shuttle one recent morning, bright and early, with two carloads full of diapers, shampoo, soaps, feminine hygiene items, and other assorted necessaries that filled two large containers and totaled 687 pounds. These much-needed items will be distributed to neighbors in need through School Pantries and Mobile Markets. Sorority member Darice Hunter said that the supplies were collected through a Martin Luther King, Jr. International Day of Service drive that had been communicated through social media, and that turnout had been tremendous. They were looking forward to working with the Food Shuttle again on future projects.
Regina Johnson and Darice Hunter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Chi Rho Omega, Knightdale Chapter
Drives such as these—whether they be for hygiene items or food--support Inter-Faith Food Shuttle programs and emergency response efforts including Pantry Supplement Boxes, School Pantries, Mobile Markets, Grocery Bags for Seniors, and more. The holiday season is traditionally a big season for food drives and donations to food banks like the Food Shuttle, but after the holidays, food donations drop off drastically—even though the need for food never does. According to Feeding America, the projected 2021 food insecurity rate for North Carolina would fall at 14.8%. For children, the rate rises to 20.1%
That’s why now is a great time to hold a food drive! Get together with your family and friends or team up with your office mates. A church group can hold a terrific food drive. Or a neighborhood drive brings folks together for the perfect cause. However you choose to do it, the Food Shuttle can get you started. We can help you whether you want to hold a traditional food drive, where everyone donates some non-perishable food items, or a virtual drive. Instead of going to the store to buy canned and other non-perishable food items, virtual drives take advantage of the Food Shuttle’s bulk purchasing power to maximize the impact of your dollars by donating food virtually! Follow this link and click on “Become a Fundraiser” to set up your Virtual Food Drive page in a snap!
If you’re considering holding a traditional food drive, why not turn it into a “Snack Drive”? The Food Shuttle is currently in need of the following items to distribute:
Granola bars, chewy or crunchy
Sandwich crackers
Individual/snack size bags
o Shelled peanuts
o Goldfish
o Gummies/fruit snacks
o Trail mix
o Plain popcorn
o Dried fruit
o Beef jerky
o Granola
o Raisins/craisins
Additionally, we always need tuna, pasta and pasta sauce, rice, canned vegetables and fruits. For more information on how you or your organization can organize your drive to help feed our neighbors in need, visit our Food Drive website at https://www.foodshuttle.org/donate-food or contact Food Sourcing Specialist, Kara Guido.