How to Host a Food Drive
In Partnership with Campus Recreation's Food Assistance & Well-being Program
Thank you for your interest in conducting a food drive in collaboration with the Food Assistance & Well-Being Program! Campus Recreation thanks partners like you for helping meet the increased demand of the program since opening in the Fall of 2020.
It is the program’s mission to ensure that the campus community has access to free, nutritious food and key necessities in a welcoming and educational space without stigma. We offer a variety of items, including food and hygiene products.
The program utilizes a choice model, which allows patrons to peruse the inventory and take a designated number of items. This model gives patrons a choice in their selection, while minimizing food waste.
The greatest need in sustaining the Food Assistance and Well-Being Program is in the collection of donations as stock tends to fluctuate throughout the year. Thank you for your interest in supporting the program and we look forward to working with you!
Steps to Hosting a Successful Food Drive
Fill out the Request to Host a Food Drive form
Input a proposed time and date for the food drive and, if applicable, a theme
Determine a location to collect donations
- Choose a location that will maximize participation
- Most university buildings will require permission to place donation bins
- Indicate on the form if Campus Recreation will need to provide collection bins for the food drive
Make flyers and social media posts to spread the word
- Tag Campus Recreation on social media posts so we can reshare to our channels
- Discourage donations packed in glass to prevent breakage and potential injury
Coordinate donation drop-off
Contact dcr-nutrition@illinois.edu