FALL FOOD DRIVE for the Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC

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Sunday, October 5, (All day) to Sunday, November 16, (All day) 2025

KADAMPA CENTER'S FALL FOOD DRIVE

Sunday, October 5 - Sunday, November 16

Bring non-perishable, factory-sealed food items to Kadampa Center throughout the duration of the Food Drive.  Food safety regulations require donated items to be sealed and have all ingredients listed.

* NO GLASS, PLEASE *

A Year of Compassion initiative honoring His Holiness's 90th birth year.

SUPPORTING THE FOOD BANK OF CENTRAL AND EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA

Sadly, food insecurity remains a serious problem in central and eastern North Carolina.  The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina serves a network of more than 800 partner agencies such as soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters, and programs for children and adults through distribution centers in Durham, Greenville, New Bern, Raleigh, the Sandhills (Southern Pines), and Wilmington.  Within these areas, more than 600,000 people struggle to access nutritious and adequate amounts of food necessary for a healthy life.

WHAT SHOULD BE OUR GOAL FOR THE FOOD DRIVE?

In the spirit of Mindful Giving and through our continued work as a Community of Compassion, let’s calculate an estimate of how many canned goods would be needed to feed 30 families for 30 days!  

Calculating the Estimated Goal
(The following is based on common emergency food supply recommendations.)

  • Per person:  A three-day supply of food for one person is typically estimated at 6 to 10 cans.
  • Per family:  Assuming an average family size of four, a three-day supply of food for one family would therefore require 24 to 40 cans.
  • Total for 30 families:  Providing a three-day supply for 30 families would therefore require 720 to 1,200 cans.
  • Providing a more substantial supply:  To cover a lengthier, more meaningful period of time, such as a month, the number of canned goods would need to be significantly higher.  For example, a one-month (30-day) supply of food for a family of four would require 240 to 400 canned goods that includes a variety of meats, beans, fruits and vegetables. 
  • Kadampa Center's Goal:  30 days for 30 families = 7,200 to 12,000 canned goods!

MOST NEEDED CANNED GOODS IN NORTH CAROLINA

According to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina, we can maximize the impact or our donations by focusing on the following food items which provide the most nourishing and helpful meals:
  • Canned meats:  Tuna, chicken, salmon, and other meats.
  • Canned beans:  Black, pinto, kidney, and garbanzo beans.
  • Canned vegetables:  All types of vegetables are welcome. Low-sodium options are especially beneficial.
  • Canned fruit:  Opt for fruit packed in juice or water, not heavy syrup.
  • Soups, stews, and chili:  These hearty and filling options make great meals.

BEST PRACTICES WHEN CHOOSING DONATIONS

  • Prioritize healthy options:  Food banks and health organizations encourage the donation of items that are low in sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats.
  • Check expiration dates:  Do not donate items that have passed their "sell-by" or "best-by" dates.
  • Check for damage:  Cans must be factory-sealed and undamaged. Dented, bulging, or otherwise compromised cans can not be accepted.
  • No glass containers:  Glass is typically not accepted because it can break during transport.
  • Pop-top cans:  Cans with pop-tops are preferred as these are easier for everyone and especially convenient for those who lack a can opener.