Host a Fresh Food Drive
The gitm (Gifts in the Moments) Foundation and Partnership for a Healthy Community are urging local organizations and community groups to “Get Fresh” by hosting a fresh food drive this winter. The fresh food drive will benefit local food pantries and increase access to fresh produce for families in need.
Local food pantries do not receive donated produce on a consistent basis. Donations of fresh produce slow or cease to exist in the winter months, when the local growing season comes to a halt. By hosting a fresh food drive, your organization can fill the gap and help area families eat healthier. A fresh food drive is similar to a canned food drive, only donations are fresh produce instead of canned goods.
To host a fresh food drive, simply pick a date that works for your organization, and advertise the event. The gitm Foundation will provide all the tools and direction necessary to host a successful fresh food drive. The produce will then be picked up and distributed to a local food pantry.
If hosting a drive will not work for your organization, monetary donations can also be collected. Your group can be the host site to collect donations that are tax-deductible and will be used to purchase fresh produce from local produce farmers. Again, the donated produce will be given to local food pantries for distribution.
All donations will be distributed through Good Food Recovery, ensuring the right amount of produce is delivered at a convenient time for the food pantry, reducing waste. Good Food Recovery is a project of The gitm Foundation and is sponsored by The Community Foundation of Central Illinois, Peoria City/County Health Department, Tazewell County Health Department, Woodford County Health Department, Partnership for a Healthy Community, and Pekin United Way.
For more information or to host a fresh food drive, please contact Denise Urycki at 309-966-3790, or gitm@mtco.com. For additional information about area efforts to increase access to fresh produce, visit www.goodfoodrecovery.org or www.healthyhoi.org.