Host a virtual food drive at your holiday gathering

The holidays may look different for some of us this year. However, as COVID variants continue to provide uncertainty this holiday, it may be time to introduce some new traditions to make the season meaningful.

Whether you're hosting your Friendsgiving on Zoom or Christmas dinner safely in person, hosting a virtual food drive fundraiser is a great way to build a connection with loved ones.

What is a virtual food drive? 

A virtual food drive is a fundraiser that happens 100% online, so you don't need to lug cans to a collection box. Instead, you set up an online fundraising page with your local food bank or Feeding America and ask friends and family to contribute. Donations are completed in minutes, and every donor receives a receipt. Sign up now.

These fundraisers help the Feeding America network of food banks save resources they would spend collecting, sorting, and storing food from traditional food drives and instead put funds into better serving their communities. Plus, during COVID, many food banks may not accept donations from the community due to safety concerns. 

Here are some easy ways to add an online fundraiser to your holiday plans:

1. Include your fundraiser in your invitation

When you let your guests know the time and place of your get-together (my family is dedicated to text invites), include a link to your fundraising page. This is a simple way to let everyone know you're doing something special this year. Even if your guests can't join, they can give back.

Not sure what to say about your fundraiser? Once you sign up for your fundraiser with Feeding America or your local food bank, you'll receive a toolkit full of advice, sample emails, and social posts.  

2. Get your friends and family into the giving mood with a fun activity

Here's your opportunity to get creative to entice your guests to give. Think about what your guests usually enjoy doing when you get together and put a fundraising spin on it:

• Auction of your talents – like all the bread you've been making or teaching your friends how to make your Aunt's secret recipe.
• Bribe your guests with leftovers by asking for a small donation before letting them fill up to-go containers.
• Host bingo, trivia, or karaoke where a donation is the cost of entry. It may be worth listening to those who can't carry a tune. 
• Choose a secret word, and whenever someone says the secret word, ask them to donate. This is also a great way to avoid topics that may ruin the mood.

3. Say thanks and shout out your top contributors

When the meal is over, and hopefully someone helped with the dishes, thank your guests. This is a great moment to spotlight those who generously contributed to your fundraiser, share the amount you raised, and remind your guests that there is still time to give.

Need more help in getting started? Your food bank and our Team Feed staff are here for you. In addition, you can check out our top Team Feed fundraisers for even more inspiration.

Even if you're not getting together in person or online, you can still make a difference for families facing hunger by starting a fundraiser for Feeding America or your local food bank. There are also many other ways you can give back to food banks during this holiday season.