I needed to put together an FAQ sheet for my volunteers during the Feb. 24 Food Drive, so I thought I’d include the info here as well. Many of these questions are ones that I’m typically asked. Some are specifically about Saturday’s event and others are more general. So in case you were wondering, here you go!
Vacation Donations Food Drive: Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vacation Donations?
A local nonprofit (501c3) that works to reduce food and item waste in vacation rentals and increase donations. We do not personally pickup or deliver. Our slogan is: We show you how and where; you take it from there! At our website, www.vacationdonations.org, you’ll find convenient places to donate many things, including food, beach toys, books, old towels, and more. We also work with owners and property managers to help reduce waste.
What food can I donate?
All unopened perishables and nonperishables. That includes any perishables with a natural shell, even if the package itself has been opened, such as: a carton of eggs, a bag of apples, oranges, bananas, wrapped slices of cheese, etc.
Do you take sodas and chips?
Sure, as long as they are unopened. Water too!
Are you here tomorrow? How often are you here?
This is an occasional food drive. Our next will be Saturday, March 30, 8:30 to 11 a.m.
Why not more often?
We don’t have the volunteers or the drop-off locations, at least for now.
Where can I take my food otherwise?
All the details are at www.vacationdonations.org. In short, non-perishables anytime at the IRB food pantry. Perishables only when the Lifeline pantry in St. Jerome just over the bridge in Largo is open. On Saturdays, ONLY the last Saturday morning of the month, at Lifeline.
Where is the food going?
St. Jerome Lifeline Ministry food pantry, just over the Walsingham Bridge in Largo. They’re a USDA-certified pantry that has served the area for many years.
Why isn’t the food going to the IRB pantry?
The Beach Community Food Pantry in IRB does not accept perishables and they’re not open on Saturdays.
I’ve heard that the USDA doesn’t allow perishable food to be donated. Is that true?
That is not the case. Diane can send you info on the USDA website about their guidelines for accepting perishables. It is allowed. Info at: https://www.usda.gov/foodlossandwaste/donating
Furthermore, there’s something called the Good Samaritan Food Donation Act, that gives people much legal leeway on donating food as long as they’re intending to do good. Diane can send a link on that from the USDA website as well. Info at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/FAQs-GoodSamaritanAct.pdf
Do you need volunteers for the next time?
Absolutely! Please leave your name, email and phone number and Diane Daniel will get back to you soon. You can also reach out to her through www.vacationdonations.org, or email [email protected] or call 727-201-2333.
Do you take monetary donations?
Yes, please and thanks! We are a 501(c)(3) and donations are tax deductible. You can write a check to Vacation Donations, give cash or send money through Zelle, using [email protected]. Diane can send you a receipt.
What would you use the money for?
We use the money for printing event and educational materials, refrigerator magnets for rentals and to sponsor collection bins at near multiple vacation rentals.