In the nonprofit world, gratitude is more than just good manners—it’s a strategic tool that can...
As the nation braces for the pause in SNAP benefits this November 2025, communities across the country are preparing for a sharp rise in food insecurity. For many nonprofits already stretched thin, this shift means one thing: it’s time to mobilize.
An emergency food drive can be one of the most effective ways to meet the surge in need — but only if it’s planned with intention, promoted strategically, and executed efficiently. Whether your organization has run dozens of food drives or is launching one for the first time, these steps will help ensure your efforts make a real, lasting impact.
1. Start with a Clear Plan and Purpose
Before collecting a single can, clarify what success looks like for your drive. Ask:
- Who are we serving, and what are their most urgent needs?
- Are we collecting food, funds, or both?
- What is our timeline — and do we have the storage and volunteers to support it?
For example, the Worcester County Food Bank recently partnered with local churches and schools for a two-week “Fill the Shelves” campaign. Instead of collecting random donations, they focused specifically on shelf-stable proteins like tuna, beans, and peanut butter — high-need items identified through data. This clarity not only helped them communicate effectively but also ensured that every donation met a real need.
Tip: Create a one-page plan that includes goals, key dates, collection sites, and a communication strategy. This document keeps your team aligned and your mission focused.
2. Build Strong Community Partnerships
An emergency food drive works best when it’s a community-wide effort. Local businesses, schools, and civic organizations are often eager to help — they just need an easy way to plug in.
Consider inviting:
- Grocery stores and small businesses to host collection bins or match donations.
- Schools to engage students in class challenges (“Which class can collect the most cereal boxes?”).
- Faith-based groups to organize volunteers or distribute flyers.
For instance, Project Bread in Massachusetts leveraged local Dunkin’ Donuts locations as drop-off points during their “Food for Families” drive. The partnership increased visibility and accessibility, resulting in a 40% increase in community participation.
Tip: Reach out early and give partners customizable ways to support — not everyone can donate food, but they might provide space, volunteers, or media promotion.
3. Make Donating Simple and Accessible
The easier you make it to give, the more people will participate. Offer multiple ways for your community to contribute:
- In-person drop-offs at local collection sites
- Online giving pages for those who can’t physically donate food
- Amazon wish lists that allow donors to ship items directly to your organization
For example, Open Table, a food pantry in Maynard, MA, set up a virtual food drive where supporters could “shop” for needed items online. This model not only simplified donations but also helped reduce the burden of sorting and transporting food.
Tip: Combine digital and physical donation options to reach both tech-savvy supporters and traditional donors.
4. Spread the Word with Purpose and Compassion
Promotion is where your food drive gains momentum. To stand out in a busy news cycle — especially during a national crisis — focus your messaging on impact and community.
Your outreach should answer: Why now? Who will this help? And how can I make a difference?
Use every available platform:
- Social Media: Share personal stories, videos, and countdowns.
- Email Campaigns: Send updates with clear calls to action.
- Local Media: Issue press releases to newspapers, radio, and TV.
- Flyers & Posters: Use bold, clear visuals at community hubs like libraries and gyms.
For example, The Greater Boston Food Bank ran a weeklong campaign using the hashtag #OneCanMakeADifference, encouraging supporters to post photos with their donations. The simple message helped humanize the drive and spread quickly online.
Tip: Always include a compassionate tone in your messaging — emphasize unity and collective responsibility rather than guilt or fear.
5. Organize and Empower Your Volunteers
Volunteers are the heartbeat of every successful food drive. Make sure they’re informed, supported, and appreciated.
Before launch, host a short virtual or in-person orientation covering:
- Donation guidelines and sorting procedures
- Safety protocols and communication plans
- How to share updates on social media to expand reach
During the drive, recognize volunteers publicly — tag them in social posts, give shoutouts, and send thank-you messages. When volunteers feel valued, they’re more likely to stay engaged and bring others along.
6. Measure Your Impact and Follow Up
Once the drive ends, share results with transparency and gratitude. Let donors know exactly what their contributions achieved:
- “Together, we collected 5,000 pounds of food — enough to feed 200 families for a week.”
- “Your donations helped us stock five local pantries just in time for the holiday season.”
Follow up with photos, thank-you notes, and impact stories. Not only does this build trust, but it also sets the stage for future collaboration.
