The Value of Food Drives - Presentation to the CCSC Council of Church Representatives April 6, 2021 - Christian Community Service Center
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The Value of Food Drives
Presentation to the CCSC Council of Church Representatives
April 6, 2021
The last year in CCSC’s two food pantries The last year of operations in our food pantries has been incredibly challenging but immeasurably rewarding. - We never closed our doors due to the pandemic. - We adapted logistics to maintain a healthy environment for volunteers, clients and staff. - We were creative in obtaining food when the normal supply chain was disrupted.
Food package need
From the beginning of the pandemic, we knew that clients who were already facing
hunger/food insecurity would be hardest hit and many more would experience hardship.
−The nature of many “front line” jobs can create
higher risk for infection.
−They were less likely to have health insurance
coverage, an established primary care provider,
or paid sick leave.
−Their work positions were likely to be
impacted by layoffs, furloughs and reduced
hours without the option of working remotely.
Food package need Both CCSC pantries immediately saw client demand increase −That demand has fluctuated but averaged 3 to 4x the number of pre-COVID visits. −We eliminated zip code restrictions. About 1 in 5 families served have been from outside our traditional service area—many from outlying areas like Channelview; others from Louisiana in an unprecedented hurricane season. −We pivoted to a 1-size-fits-all package but also allowed clients to receive food without limit.
The last year in CCSC’s two food pantries
2019-2020 2020-2021
35000
30981 As of Monday, March 15, 2021
30000
(one complete year of adapted
25000
operations), our two Emergency
20000
Services sites had distributed
15000
30,981 food packages
10000
8220
to neighbors in need.
5000
0
Food packages distributed
Food Drive response CCSC churches and supportive groups also seized the opportunity to help with the increased demand! Drive-thru food collections, drop-offs of groceries at our sites and on-line purchases TRULY are what has kept the pantries stocked when the supply chain was broken.
The last year in CCSC’s two food pantries
2019 2020
$1,000,000
$910,631
In 2020, CCSC received 89.6% $900,000
more in food donations as $800,000
$700,000
compared to 2019!
$600,000
$480,278
These 2020 food donations were $500,000
$400,000
valued at $910,631! $300,000
$200,000
What an impact! $100,000
$0
Value of in-kind food donations
Thank you!
Thank you!
Thank you!
Other benefits of food drives Engaging your congregations in food donation drives has also… -Increased general awareness of CCSC’s ministry and impact -Given individuals a way to contribute and connect in an isolating time -Provided an example of community involvement to children and youth
What we are seeing today: continuing need
-While some of our clients are seeing
improvements in employment and stability, we
continue to serve high numbers of households.
-In a single day, the two Emergency Services
pantries can easily distribute 1,000 grocery
items. There is a constant need to replenish our
inventory.
-While some of our vendors are able to fill bulk
orders for CCSC purchasing, some are still not
back to “normal.”
-We are entering “the dry season…”The dry season: April to September The months of April through September are historically low donation drive months at Christian Community Service Center (CCSC). While this is understandable with summer vacations and holidays, our neighbors are still hungry! Many families with children struggle even more in the months when students are not in school. Consider these ideas/themes to bolster participation in donation drives when CCSC’s two food pantries most need them:
Creative Themes and Opportunities
APRIL
Easter (4/4) Capitalize on Holy Week gatherings by including an opportunity for community
service and charity: perfect time for a food drive!
Earth Day (4/22) Conduct a canned fruits and veggies drive. Include nutrition-packed tomatoes!
MAY
National Day of Prayer Pray for the hungry in our community AND then act by donating groceries!
(5/6) Consider emphasis on 1-pound bags of dry beans or rice—a healthy staple.
Mother’s Day (5/9) Conduct a “child friendly” food drive to help all the mamas, focusing on baby
food, formula, boxes cereal and peanut butter.
Memorial Day (5/31) Remember our community members in need! Do a food drive for them!
JUNE
“Thanksgiving in June” You’ve heard of Christmas in July…but how about Thanksgiving in June! Corral
(any day) that holiday spirit of generosity with a food drive!
National Eat Your Green beans, corn, carrots, peas, mixed vegetables – see how many different
Vegetables Day (6/17) styles of veggies you can collect for CCSC clients in need!
Father’s Day (6/20) Conduct a “child friendly” food drive to help all the papas, focusing on baby food,
formula, boxes cereal and peanut butter.Creative Themes and Opportunities
JULY
Independence Day Let’s “free” the community from hunger! Include a food drive in your July 4 th
(7/4) celebration.
National Mac & Yes, it’s an official day! Let’s load up on carbs with a macaroni and cheese, pasta
Cheese Day (7/14) and pasta sauce drive!
AUGUST
International Youth Involve church youth by helping them organize a food drive! Remember that 40%
Day (8/12) of those helped through CCSC’s two food pantries are age 17 and younger!
SEPTEMBER
International Day of Bring CCSC pantry staples used in cuisine throughout the world – rice, beans,
Charity (9/5) ramen, pasta and more!
Labor Day (9/6) Remember those who are without meaningful work and struggling with food
insecurity—include a food drive in your holi day plans!
National Cooking Day What do you enjoy cooking (or eating)? Gather up the ingredients for that meal
(9/25) (non-perishable items only, please) and bring it to the CCSC pantries!Another creative idea or two…
• Make your church food drive an opportunity
to tour the new CCSC campus!
• Arrange for church volunteers to help transport
donations to our site. After unloading their cars,
we can provide a tour with context for volunteers’
contributions!
• Encourage individuals to bring in donations
(a “drive” for one, please!)
• Arrange a curbside pickup at your favorite grocery
store and bring it straight to our warehouse.“Divide and conquer” idea…
Please continue to communicate:
“CCSC still needs our help!”
• Involve others!
• Who among your congregation would
appreciate knowing this information?
• Who can help you spread awareness about the
continuing need?
• Consider setting a goal for the coming 6
months
• One drive per month?
• A competition between groups or with another
congregation?
• Incorporate food drives into other activities like
family retreats, Vacation Bible School, Summer
Camp or the start of the school year?Takeaways for your consideration FOOD DRIVES—You have made an amazing difference and CCSC still needs you! • Watch for meeting follow-up materials! • Inform your congregation about the positive impact food drives have made over the past year. Pass along our gratitude! • With church leadership, create some food drive goals and plans for the “Dry Season” (April to September 2021). • Keep up the great work! • If you need more food drive resources, please contact Karen at kholloman@ccschouston.org
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