Member Food Drive  Challenge

Incompass Michigan is launching an inaugural Food Drive Challenge for our members to support their local food banks before the Holiday season approaches. Members will have until Friday, December 5 to raise as many non-perishable food items as possible. The member organization that raises the most donations, in pounds, will win a custom trophy and bragging rights until the 2026 Challenge. A list of high demand items can be found below, you are also encouraged to check with your local food bank for their specific needs. 

• Canned goods: Tuna, chicken, beans, soups, and vegetables.
• Proteins: Peanut butter and canned or dried beans/lentils.
• Grains: Pasta (especially whole grain), rice (especially brown), and hot or cold cereals.
• Breakfast items: Instant oatmeal, granola bars, and pancake mix.
• Shelf-stable liquids: Water, 100% fruit juice, and shelf-stable milk (such as almond, soy, or powdered milk).
• Cooking essentials: Olive oil, spices, and jarred pasta sauce. 
• Baby items: Formula and baby food.
• Kid-friendly snacks: Crackers, dried fruit, and small, sealed packages of cookies.
• Personal hygiene products: Toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and feminine products.
• Cultural items: Ask your local food bank if they have a specific need for culturally relevant items. 

Items to avoid: 

• Perishable foods: Anything that requires refrigeration.
• Expired food: Check the expiration date before donating.
• Homemade goods: For safety, only unopened, commercially prepared food can be accepted.
• Opened containers: Food must be in its original, sealed packaging.
• Food with damaged packaging: Don’t donate items with dented cans or torn boxes

On December 5, email a photo of your collections with the total weight of items collected to bjohnson@incompassmi.org. The challenge winner will be announced in the following week’s member Update and receive a custom trophy in acknowledgment.