According to a news release, last year’s holiday food drive raised over 70,000 pounds of groceries and supplies along with monetary donations from the community. This year, the MCFB’s goal is to collect 100,000 pounds of food to meet the increased need during the holiday season.
“The gift of food has the power to change countless lives in our community,” MCFB President and CEO Kristine Marlow said in the release. “The donations we receive during Stock The Sleigh will provide holiday meals and hope to thousands of children, seniors and families who have had a difficult time this past year. We have such a caring and generous community, and I would like to encourage our entire county to participate in this year’s holiday food drive as we continue fighting hunger and feeding hope in Montgomery County.”
Montgomery County residents, businesses, civic organizations and schools are encouraged to participate in the food drive. To get started, interested parties should visit mcfoodbank.org/stockthesleigh to download a food drive tool kit and, if needed, schedule a time to pick up collection boxes.
The release states the food bank’s most needed items include:
• Canned meat or pouches (tuna, chicken, spam)
• Grains (rice, pasta, macaroni and cheese)
• 100% fruit juices
• Canned vegetables (low sodium, no salt added)
• Canned or dry beans
• Peanut butter
• Canned fruits (light syrup or its own juices)
• Hot and cold cereals (oatmeal, Cheerios, corn flakes)
• Healthy snacks (raisins, granola bars, protein bars)
• Monetary donations ($1 provides five meals)
