Gonzaga Preparatory School

2024 Thanksgiving Food Drive Info

WHY?  Asked the purpose of the Gonzaga Prep Food Drive, most people respond, “to feed the hungry.” Yes, because that fulfills Jesus’ Gospel call to love our neighbor. And, our Mission and the goals of Jesuit education call us to a gain a deeper awareness of the causes of poverty and become committed to justice in social and economic structures.

When? The Drive Con kicks-off on Friday, November 8, 10:00-11:00am, and culminates with sorting, Mass and delivery on Wednesday, November 27.

Safety!

• Students should always carry Prep ID and wear Gonzaga Prep clothing while collecting or delivering.
• If students encounter problems while collecting or delivering, inform parents/guardians and teacher/administrator as soon as possible.

Collection of Food

• Outside Grocery Stores. Students must obtain the permission of the manager before collecting outside a grocery store.
• Door-To-Door. Students may collect door-to-door and/or may leave a note at a door asking folks to leave food out on their porch on a particular day when the student will come back and pick it up (like the Boy Scouts do).
• Do not collect from homes during the Boy Scouts Drive November 9.
• Always be polite, appreciative and respectful; you are representing Gonzaga Prep.

 Permission Form - We ask parents/guardians to fill out this form. 

Recipients – Period 1 classes will be delivering food to 300+ families and providing bulk food to Native American tribes, Second Harvest Food Bank, Catholic Charities housing and a number of small food pantries. Classes will get the preliminary names, telephone numbers and addresses about one week in advance.

Specific Goals for Food and Money  - The Food Drive committee needs $7 from each student to buy the turkeys and pies. There are no specific goals for the food. Historically, Prep has collected over 100,000 pounds of food which averages out to about 120+ lbs/student. Below is a list of what food banks typically need and here is a sheet you can print for students to handout at stores or door-to-door:

Protein

Peanut Butter

Canned meat, ham, chicken, tuna

Hearty soups, chili, stews

Macaroni and cheese, boxed dinners

Beans (kidney, pinto, navy, black, refried, etc.)
Fruits and Vegetables

Canned fruits and vegetables

Canned or boxed juices

Boxed mashed potatoes

Dried fruit
Grains

Pasta or Rice

Healthy cereals (low sugar and fat)

Flour, baking mixes

Stuffing mixes

Oatmeal, Cream of Wheat

Any baby food

Our hope is that we have 100% participation in some form by all students, faculty, staff and administrators.

Weigh Your Food We ask you to weigh your food and report your cumulative total to Liz Slamkoswski.

Turkey/Pie Money – The Food Drive Committee needs $7 from each student to cover the cost of the turkeys and pumpkin pies. 

Extra Money – If your 1^st period collects more than is needed for the turkeys/pies, you may use the extra to buy food (milk, eggs, produce, etc.) for your families

Drivers – 1^st Period teachers are responsible for arranging drivers to deliver food. (Some anonymous deliveries will be arranged by Mr. Barfield.) Teachers may reach out to parents/guardians to help drive and deliver on November 27.

Solicitation Letter – Some businesses and individuals want a letter on Gonzaga Prep letterhead for program authentication or tax purposes which is located on the Prep web page, under Faith & Service, Thanksgiving Food Drive and here. 

Sharing  If one homeroom does not have enough food, ask another for help. If one homeroom has more than enough food, share or give to the Second Harvest Food Bank truck in the Perry lot.

Go Set the World on Fire!!!