Community food/fund drives

Second Harvest Foodbank is grateful for the many businesses, schools, churches and organizations that host food/fund drives throughout the year to help feed those who are struggling with hunger in their local communities.

A food/fund drive gives customers, friends, family, employees and the community an opportunity to make an difference in the fight to end hunger. It takes an average of 1.25 pounds of food to provide a meal. A $1 donation enables us to provide 7 meals.

See how far Second Harvest Foodbank can stretch a dollar. (View the individual photos: $10 retail and $10 at Second Harvest)

Summer Food/Fund Drives

School is almost out for summer, but not all children look forward to the time out of the classroom.

Children, who are eligible for free/reduced price school meals, rely on two meals a day at school. These children may not have enough to eat at home and consequently, face hunger during the summer.

Do a summer food/fund drive today and help give these children access to adequate food during the summer months.

Here's how to get started:

STEP 1: View our Tips for a Successful Food/Fund Drive.
STEP 2: Complete the Food/Fund Drive Online Form and email it to lisag@shfbmadison.org.

Have immediate questions? Contact Lisa at 608-223-9121 x112.

Most needed kid-friendly items:

• granola bars
• fruit and pudding cups
• canned soups or meals with pop-tops
• easy macaroni and cheese
• individually packaged crackers
• shelf-stable milk
• individual cereal bowls and boxes

Most needed items overall:

• complete meals (stews, pasta meals)
• meals in a box (Tuna/Hamburger Helper, macaroni and cheese, etc.)
• canned fruit
• tuna
• peanut butter
• jelly
• pasta sauce
• dry pasta
• cereal

Donation drop off SITES

• Food & Fund Donations: Second Harvest warehouse (2802 Dairy Drive, Madison) from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday.
• Food Donations Only (4 grocery bags or less): Check out the Event Calendar for other food drop off sites in our service area.

Liability protection for food donors

Both state and federal laws protect donors from liability.  In 1996, President Clinton signed Public Law 104-210, the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act, to encourage donation of food and grocery products to nonprofit organizations for distribution to needy individuals. The new law protects donors from civil and criminal liability should a fit and wholesome product donated in good faith later cause harm to a recipient.

Wisconsin Statute 895.51, Liability Exemption: Food Donation, Sale or Distribution, also provides protection. Any person engaged in the processing, distribution or sale of food products, for profit or not for profit, who donates or sells, at a price not to exceed overhead and transportation costs, qualified food to a charitable organization or food distribution service is immune from civil liability for the death of or injury to any individual caused by the qualified food donated or sold by the person.