What a simply smart idea—set up outside the grocery store and collect food donations for the needy. September 5, 2010, I spotted Mama’s Pantry in front of Ralph’s supermarket in San Diego, Calif.’s Hillcrest neighborhood. on. The concept of fundraising food shoppers is so mind-boggling sensible, it’s stunning more charities don’t go to the food source—the local market. I see three major benefits:
- It’s easy for people to donate. They see fundraisers when going in and bring something to them going out.
- Donated food is higher quality, which is better for needy folks receiving it. Instead of people donating leftovers, they give something fresh, not forgotten.
- Donations are more thoughtfully given, since shoppers make a choice inside the store about what to give. If this makes them feel good about giving, they may be more likely to do so again.
I liked the idea so much, Mama got my food donation on the way out of the supermarket.
Do you have a charity story that you’d like told? Please email Joe Wilcox: joewilcox at gmail dot com.