Host a Food Drive

Cobra car is parked next to food collection barrels

Encourage others to fight hunger!

Host a food drive at your work, school, congregation or event!

The food collected provides a greater variety of groceries for the community members we serve and is a tangible way for donors to visualize their impact.

Are you ready to hold a food drive? Learn more by reading the frequently asked questions below.

Food Drive FAQ

We recommend donating healthy, nonperishable food that you would like to eat! Here’s a list of our most needed year-round items:

  • Peanut butter
  • Canned tuna and chicken (in water)
  • Boxed macaroni and cheese
  • Shelf stable milk
  • Applesauce 
  • Beans/lentils (dry or canned)
  • Rice 
  • Whole grain cereals/crackers
  • Whole wheat/grain pasta
  • Canned soups/vegetables/tomato products (low sodium, easy open)
  • Canned fruits (in juice)
  • 100% Fruit juice (cartons or small boxes only)
  • Nonperishable ready-to-eat meals (chili, ravioli, etc.)

Holiday Food List (no glass, please!):

  • Macaroni noodles 
  • Mashed potato flakes
  • Gravy mix (powdered)
  • Canned sweet potatoes
  • Canned green beans
  • Cream of mushroom soup
  • Cranberry sauce
  • Stuffing mix
  • Pinto beans (dry)
  • Masa
  • Cornbread mix
  • Cornhusks
  • Flour
  • Gelatin (strawberry or lime)
  • Cooking oil 
  • Cinnamon (ground)
  • Chicken stock
  • Scalloped potato (boxed)

Download a Food Drive Shopping List (PDF) ›

Please note: The Food Bank cannot accept glass containers, food one year past its ‘best by’ date, open or partially-used products, alcohol, food without nutrition labels, or any frozen/refrigerated foods.

Do not put cash or checks in the collection bins! Please give monetary gifts to Food Bank staff or mail checks to 4010 Nelson Ave, Concord, CA 94520.

We recommend using boxes or bags you have on hand to collect and transport food.

We are happy to provide barrels for large-scale food drives. Please schedule a time to pick up your barrel by contacting the Food and Fund Drive Coordinator at FoodDrive@foodbankccs.org or call 925-849-8363.

Nonperishable food can be dropped off at our Concord or Fairfield warehouses.

If you collect more than 100 food items, you may contact us to schedule a pickup, if needed.

That’s great, it means your drive is going really well! Please email the Food and Fund Drive Coordinator at fooddrive@foodbankccs.org or call 925-849-8363 to schedule a pickup within 10 business days. We appreciate your patience when it might take a little longer, especially during the busy holiday season.

We will weigh your food and send a letter or email with the total pounds collected.

Questions? Please email the Food and Fund Drive Coordinator at fooddrive@foodbankccs.org or call 925-849-8363.