Should I do a Food Drive or a Fund Drive?

All support, both food donations and monetary donations are welcomed and beneficial to the food bank. Food donations feel great for donors and help create a sense of community as they select items to give. But food donations from individuals only represent about 1% of food that we distribute. For every dollar donated, we are able to purchase enough food for up to 4 meals, so monetary donations really help us provide large amounts of food.

What is a Fund Drive?

A fund drive allows organizations to raise funds for the food bank. Through our online platform, an individual page is set up with a personal link to share with family, friends, and colleagues. The funds are donated directly to us for a contact free way to support the food bank and your neighbors.

COVID safety and food/ fund drives

Considering the pandemic and increased need in our community, we are unable to do pickups and deliveries. Many organizations are choosing to create fund drives to reduce contact and increase safety. A fund drive is completely virtual and still supports your neighbors!

Which would you prefer be donated: food or money?

The Food Bank is grateful for any and all donations. Food drives not only provide the food needed by our hungry neighbors but also create a connection between donors and the people they are helping. On the other hand, monetary donations yield more food, as the Food Bank can buy at deeply reduced rates. For every dollar donated, we are able to provide more than $9 worth of groceries, enough for four meals.

What is the best way to collect monetary donations?

When you register your Food & Fund Drive on our website, you will gain access to create your very own, customizable Food & Fund Drive homepage. Use our web tools to set a fundraising goal, invite others to join your drive, and easily ask your friends, family and co-workers to support your efforts by making a convenient online gift. Handy features like email templates and a progress thermometer help drive your success.

Can you pick up my food donations?

At this time, we are unable to provide any transportation.

If I decide to do a Food Drive, what food items are needed the most?

Nutritious non-perishable items like canned meats (including tuna, stews and soups), and canned fruits and vegetables are in greatest demand. Our most current Most Needed Items list is part of the Food & Fund Drive Toolkit you’ll receive upon registering.

What supplies does the Food Bank provide for my drive?

The Food Bank can provide colorful posters, donation barrels or boxes*, collection bags, and a personalized fundraising website. (*The food bank cannot deliver or pick up food at this time. You can pick up a barrel or deliver food to our location if you like.)

How long should my drive last?

Depending on the size of your organization, 1-2 weeks is optimal. You want to give people enough time to get their donation in, without losing a sense of urgency and excitement.

When should I hold my drive?

Any time! A Food and Fund Drive is a great activity year-round. Our need for donations is at its highest from February to August.

How do I get food drive donations to the Food Bank?

We ask that you deliver your donations to our main location at 3400 North Desert Dr, East Point, GA 30344.
Donations can also be dropped off at the Community Food Center at 1979 Parker Court Suite D, Stone Mountain, GA 30087.

Do I need to make an appointment to drop off food?

You do not need to make an appointment. We accept donations at our facility Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., except when we are closed on holidays.
We accept donations at the Community Food Center Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., except when we are closed on holidays.

How are online and mail-in donations counted toward my organization’s Food & Fund Drive total?

Donors who wish to give online can donate directly on your Food & Fund Drive homepage. These gifts are immediately reflected on your Progress Thermometer. If a donor chooses to support your drive by mailing a check directly to the Food Bank, we can only credit your Food & Fund Drive with the donation if the donor clearly states that information. Be sure to instruct your donors to CLEARLY attach your drive or organization name to any mail-in donations.

How will receipts for monetary donations be handled?

Anyone donating offline (e.g., by check) will receive a printed thank you letter with gift receipt in the mail. Anyone donating online will receive the same print letter as well as an automated email thank you message with gift receipt. Cash donations will not be individually receipted. Instead, all cash donations will be credited as one lump sum to your individual or organization’s name.

Why doesn’t the Food Bank provide receipts for cash donations?

For legal purposes, we must maintain a paper trail for all gifts that we receipt. If cash donations are not received and receipted at the point of donation by a Food Bank staff member, we have no verifiable way to link the gift amount with the corresponding donor. We are more than happy to send a thank you letter to all cash donors to your drive if you provide a list of names. However, this letter will not qualify as an official tax receipt.

How do I handle my company's matching gifts?

Many corporations have a matching gift program. Please consult your Human Resources department to see if your company matches charitable contributions. When making a contribution that your company will match, be sure to enclose the paperwork required by your company with your gift.

How much does a can of food weigh?

The average can of food weighs 15 ounces -- almost a pound.