Food Drives at Sanders Rallies?

[myrna minx]

I don't know the logistics of such a thing - but I had an idea after mis-reading a headline about a Sanders rally in Florida.

Just think of how much food could be raised if everyone who attends a Sanders rally brings a canned good for the local pantry. I have a friend who works a small non profit and the spring and summer are the hardest hit for pantries.

Are there any organizers here who could pass this along to the campaign? Would the logistics be too challenging?

[peacebird]

1. Great idea! I am sure food banks would be glad to handle the logistics!

[myrna minx]

2. I have no idea how to organize such an effort, but it occurred to me that while

so many people are attending these huge rallies, a small gesture of bringing a canned good could provide so much help to the local communities. It would be great if the Democratic Party adopted this as a standard for their rallies.

A small gesture can have boundless effects for the better.

[Dustlawyer]

10. +1!!! Excellent idea!!!

[JonathanRackham]

3. I'd volunteer to man a collection point.

More volunteers for Bernie!

Volunteer and take the bull by the horns, step up and take charge.

[Mbrow]

4. Great idea! K&R

[Omaha Steve]

5. I just passed your idea to the campaign

Great idea.

K&R!

OS

[myrna minx]

18. Thank you. I have no idea where to begin to get something like this up and running.

I appreciate you and your help.

[Ferd Berfel]

6. Hellovan Idea

[daleanime]

7. Nice!

[lame54]

8. I was thinking...

That at a rally he could say "This is the part of the speech where I ask you to donate to my campaign. Today I am asking you to donate to the people of Flint*."

*or any of the worthy causes out there

[pangaia]

9. Super idea.. And not just canned food-

But also other 'non-perishables' like pasta, packaged soup, oatmeal, cold cereal, small packages of pepperoni.. :&gt )))

[HeartoftheMidwest]

14. Usually also badly needed:

1) pet food
2) diapers and wipes
3) toiletries ( toilet paper, toothbrushes & floss & toothpaste, razors, feminine products, soap & shampoos, etc. )

[NorthCarolina]

11. Depends on the Rally i suppose. I sure wouldn't want to see

folks wielding canned goods at a Trump rally for instance.

[Elmer S. E. Dump]

12. That's a sure way to get a Drumpf bomb planted with the food

I hope you know I'm being

[Pat Riots]

13. i work at a food shelf

here are some things to remember when giving:

please give food that is not expired (!) as this is a major time consumer, sorting out and disposing of non usable items.

staples like pasta and canned goods are always great choices. it is nice to get the occasional misc. or gourmet item as well, as poor people like variety like everyone else.

a few gluten free items are a big help for those who have celiac disease.

non food items like tampons and especially diapers (!) are usful, and most food shelfs will accept them as well.

thanks for donating! the number of people struggling with food insecurity is staggering.

[myrna minx]

15. Welcome to DU, Pat Riots.

Thank you so much for your hard work and dedication. My friend that works for the non-profit has told me the same.

I'm hearted that this idea is taking shape.

[myrna minx]

16. Thanks to everyone who's excited by this idea. Just think how much good we could do if

if the spirit of giving back to the community be it thought donations of diapers, pet food, soup, toothpaste was adopted for all Democratic Party rallies.
Something so simple can help so many.

[mrmpa]

17. Check with the Postal Carriers Union.........

they run a large national food drive each year. Check with the local Boys & Girls Scouts, they always have Scouts looking to earn badges.

[myrna minx]

19. That's a fantastic idea - my letter carrier is a union rep...

Thank you!

[Viva_La_Revolution]

20. i don't want to put a bummer into your idea, but food drives are really inefficient

Say you spent $5 for those 2 cans.. They have to be transported, sorted, etc. That cost money and time. That same $5 will buy a half case or more of canned food.

If Bernie asked "instead of donating to the campaign today, please donate to your local food bank" that would have bigger bang for the buck so to speak. And its still totally your idea

[hopemountain]

21. cash is complicated. cans are convenient and speedy.

you make a good point - but convenience to donate reaps a greater benefit for food bank logistics.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

22. from Slate - why food drives are a bad idea

http://www.slate.com/articles/business/moneybox/2011/12/food_drives_charities_need_your_money_not_your_random_old_food_.html

[hopemountain]

23. another businesss model

what about the intrinsic values of convenience for the donors and the sheer value of doing good, feeling good about giving, and the value of repeat giving?

i've worked nonprofits and we were always grateful for whatever was donated because the value to community extends beyond the $$ signs.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

24. i felt terrible after i found out i wasnt really helping by donating to food drives

and now i KNOW my few dollars are doing exponentially more good.

[hopemountain]

25. thank you for sharing your view.

it is all good.