The 185+ food pantries, shelters, and meal sites in the Food Bank network currently serve over 120,000 people each month.
Third-Party Fundraising Events, or “Fund Drives” are the easiest way to help us support our network; every $1 donated provides the equivalent of two nutritious meals!
Food Drives are also a wonderful way to bring your community together for a good cause. We ask that all Food Drives for the Food Bank register their drives before beginning collection. Please do not bring donated food directly to our warehouse in Chicopee, as we will connect you with a local Food Bank Member to receive the food directly rather than processing it through our warehouse. As many of our member pantries, meal sites, and shelters are operating with limited space, it is important to allow us to give them notice so they can be prepared to receive your donation.
Food Drives
What is a Food Drive?
- A “Food Drive” is an event for collecting nonperishable food items to be redistributed to people experiencing food insecurity in the community.
- Some food drives collect all of their food in a singular place on a singular day, while others last for a period of days or weeks in which people can drop off collected food.
- Food Drives offer a fun opportunity for people to gather for a common cause.
- Food Drives collecting under 100 pounds of food will be connected to a local pantry or meal site for donation drop-off.
- Food Drives collecting more than 500 pounds may be eligible for a pickup.
Please Register your Food Drive before beginning your collection. Thank you!
Third-Party Fundraising Event
What is a Third-Party Fundraising Event?
- Third-party events are planned and managed by an individual(s), community group, service club, or business with the purpose of raising money for a non-profit or charity.
- In short, third-party events are events hosted for the Food Bank but are not hosted by the Food Bank.
- Third-party events usually revolve around a planned activity such as a run, a skate night, or an auction.
- Third-party events are great ways to expand the reach of an organization’s mission while raising funds that create a direct and positive impact.
- As the Food Bank is not itself involved in the event, all aspects of the event from planning and running the event to any liability involved, are the responsibility of the host.
Please complete an Event Agreement and email it to Cheyenne Burnham a few weeks in advance of your event. Thank you!
Resources for college students
See our list of college-run pantries and SNAP eligibility information.
