Adopt a Food Shelf
Make a difference locally.
This act of kindness can quickly become part of your regular routine.
Possible recipients
Your local food pantry (where people in your community can access food donations if they need to). Find it by calling 2-1-1 (the human services hotline) if it’s available in your area. Or click here to find your local food bank (where large donations are collected, downsized, and sent to local food pantries). They can direct you to your nearest food pantry.
Members, click here to download your exclusive donation label for this project. Not a member? Subscribe today!
What you’ll need
Nonperishable or high-demand items requested by your food pantry
Bag or box for collecting items
Can or container for collecting donations
Decorating supplies (optional)
Instructions
Check their website or call ahead first to be sure they can accept your donations.
Ask about any recommendations or drop-off times.
Decorate your box or bag with markers, crayons, stickers or stamps.
Decorate your can or container too!
Place the containers in your kitchen.
DECIDE how you’ll fill your box!
A weekly habit: Each time you grocery shop, pick out one or two extra non-perishables. (Take advantage of any 2-for-1 sales.) Add spare coins to your collection jar. Then once each month drop off your donations.
A monthly date: Set a recurring date to shop together for your food pantry’s most needed items and drop off any donations you have gathered. Check your food pantry’s website (or call ahead) to find out what they need most.
A seasonal neighborhood event: Pass out fliers to let neighbors know you’re collecting for the food pantry and ask for their support. Share thank yous and the results of your donation when you drop off your donations.
Talk to your children about what kinds of foods families might need most.
When you are ready (or when your containers are full), take your family to the food pantry to drop off your donation. Ask if they would be willing to give you a tour!
Reflections
Have you ever been hungry and had to wait to get food? How did it feel?
Close your eyes and imagine if you ate only one meal a day for days or even weeks. How do you think that might feel?
What are some things you know (or think you know) about people who are hungry?
Do you think you should help those who are hungry? Why or why not? What other things could our family do to help out?
Resources
Visit our growing list of picture books that illuminate hunger, homelessness, and poverty.
Maddi's Fridge by Lois Brandt
This book is both a joyful story of friendship and an emotional tale of hidden need. Children will be inspired to learn more – and do more – about local issues of hunger after hearing Sofia’s desire to help her friend.A Kids' Guide to Hunger & Homelessness by Cathryn Berger Kaye
This workbook contains a motivating combination of eye-opening information, thought-provoking questions, and straightforward suggestions about how to make change. Empowered by this book, your child is sure to begin leading family acts of kindness.
Take it further
Get your whole neighborhood involved! Drop a note in each neighbor’s mailbox asking them to leave non-perishable food items on their doorstep on a certain date. Then pick up and deliver the items to your food shelf. If possible, make it a regular effort. Write thank-you notes to those who donate.
Research what ethnic foods might be needed by your local food pantry. Make a special trip to a grocery store that specializes in those foods and add a few items to your collection box.
Want to take the lessons further on this important subject?
Order the DGT™ Kindness Curriculum which uses stories and discussions to empower kids to help!
Disclaimer: Doing Good Together™ is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The recommendations we offer are based solely on our mission to empower parents to raise children who care and contribute.