Feeding America has declared September as National Hunger Action Month and we are inviting all Orange County Departments to collect non-perishable items to help stock food pantries across the County that are on the frontlines of helping those who are hungry right here in Orange County. This is our second annual staff food drive and we want to make it our biggest year of contribution yet!
All County Departments who would like to participate are asked to appoint a department captain by August 28 who will encourage their colleagues to donate. They will also help coordinate the delivery of donations to Cooperative Extension (located in the Bonnie B Davis Building) for weigh-ins. Email the name and email address of your captain to Shelley Mack at smack@orangecounty.gov by August 28. Smaller departments are welcome to join forces to make a larger team. Just let us know by August 28 if you plan to partner with another department.
Last year we collected 2900 pounds. Our goal for this year is to exceed that and collect at least 3,000 pounds of food. Weigh-ins will take place on the following dates. Departments may choose to participate in any or all of these dates. We will report the leader board at the end of each weigh-in day.
- September 11
- September 18
- September 25
- September 30 (final date to turn in donations)
Donations should be brought to Orange County Cooperative Extension by September 30. Cooperative Extension is located in the Davis Center at 1020 US Hwy 70 W (across from the Division of Motor Vehicles) in Hillsborough. The office is open Monday-Friday 8:00A-5:00P. Call 919-245-2050 in advance to ensure someone is here and ready to meet you.
All departments who donate at least 75 pounds of food will be entered into a drawing for a pack of 15 tickets to the N.C. State Fair in October!
Here is a list of priority foods. We have also included some pet items that we are going to be collecting as well. Many of the individuals and families we will be reaching with this project also have pets, so we have included some pet food items on this year's list as well (thanks Orange County Animal Services). When a family struggles to feed themselves, oftentimes their pets also go without. So we want to help with that as well.
Please read over this list before you go shopping or ask others to contribute items to the drive. The goal is to donate healthy food that anyone can eat, including children and seniors. Please check expiration dates on your items before donating. Also, we cannot accept open items or items that require refrigeration.
Donations will be shared with pantries across Orange County to ensure communities in all areas of our County benefit from this project. Let's make this fun and work together to end food insecurity here in Orange County!
Common Most Needed Items By Pantries
- Canned Goods
- Canned Meat (chicken, tuna, pork, fish, etc.)
- Canned Fruit
- Canned Vegetables
- Canned Soup
- Canned Dairy
- Canned Pasta
- Spaghetti Sauce
- Jelly
- Dry Goods
- Pasta (whole grain is preferred)
- Dry Beans
- Lentils
- Rice (boxes or 1-pound bags)
- Cereal and Oatmeal
- Nut Butters (peanut, almond, hazelnut, etc.)
- Baking Ingredients (flour, sugar, cacao, etc.)
- Oils (canola, olive, vegetable, etc.)
- Herbs & Seasonings
- Dried Fruit
- Beverages (tea, coffee, sport drink mixes, etc.)
- Other Foods
- Breakfast/Granola Bars with protein
- Fruit or Applesauce Cups (low sugar)
- Baby Food
- Baby Formula (must have an expiration date no earlier than 10/31/26)
- 100% Juice Boxes (shelf stable)
- Squeezable pouches of fruits & vegetables
- Healthy School Snacks
- Mayonnaise
- Animal Food/Products
- Cat food (dry kibble)
- Dog food (dry kibble)
- Litter
- Puppy pee pads
If you have any questions, contact Jonathon!
