"We are in great need of food for families here in our District. Our pantry is pretty bare. Attached is a list of suggested food items if anyone is asking what they can donate. Some sites have had food drives and collected only peanut butter or pasta and pasta sauce, one site collected cereal only, etc. We are in need of everything right now."
The MDUSD food pantry effort is all driven by volunteers, here is more:
"The food bank here is run by a small group of wonderful volunteers who sort and box food on their lunch hour or after work. We box up an emergency 3-day supply and stack the boxes in the lunchroom to be picked up and delivered to those families in need. [District reps] stop by and get the food delivered to those families in greatest need. As soon as we stock up on food, I will spread the word that we have boxes of food ready to pick up. "
Perhaps your school can consider a food drive? How about your scout troop? Book club? This is an important "cause" and it is right here in our back yard, with OUR own kids.
Below is a list of suggested donated items (view list online: HERE)
TOP 10 Items
Peanut Butter
Rice
Canned Fruit
Cereal:
-Oatmeal
-Cream of Wheat
-Box of Any Type
Canned Tuna
Canned Chicken
Whole Beans (bags/cans)
Canned Chili
Pasta & Sauce
Canned Vegetables
Other Suggested Items
Soup (Cans or Instant)
Crackers
Macaroni and Cheese
Jam/Jelly
Protein Power Bars
Granola Bars
Individual snacks such as:
Cheese & Crackers
Peanut Butter & Crackers
Velveeta Cheese
Instant Powder Drinks
Canned Evaporated Milk
Juices -- no refrigeration
Pickles
Mayo
MustardCatsup
Lori Amenta, of the MDUSD, also says:
"Thanks for everything! I know everyone is doing more than they probably ever imagined possible. I don’t want to add more to your plates but every little bit helps. Many school leadership groups organize food drives. Parents are coordinating food drives. Individuals can always bring food here to the District office. We have a bin in the lobby or I can meet them in the lunch room if they have a large amount to donate. We can also arrange to pick up boxes at your site."
