Our Festival of Trees is being planted this week and next. And with the trees comes a fun opportunity to support our local food banks. Forest wanderers of all ages are invited to vote for their favorites with shelf-stable food items. The polls open Sunday, Dec 3 after worship. There’s no Voter’s Pamphlet for this election, but proper preparation is needed. Please double-check the list below as you prepare to vote.
DOs & DON’Ts
Do check your pantry. What foods are your family’s favorites? Include some of these.
Do check expiration dates. If a Best Buy date has passed… please don’t donate the item.
Do check for opened, damaged or dented items. These aren’t appropriate for the food banks either.
Do consider healthy options and ones that support a variety of diets.
All types of non-perishable food items are welcome, but there is a special need for healthier options and ones for those with special dietary concerns, for example – low fat, low salt, gluten free, etc.
Do consider food items for those who need or choose to avoid dairy, soy, nuts or meat.
Do think about hungry kiddos after school and put some easy and healthy snacks in your cart the next time you go shopping.
Do consider voting with culturally relevant food items. Both our local food banks serve individuals from diverse backgrounds.
As much as we love them and as healthy as they maybe, please do not donate homemade items. The food banks can’t verify the ingredients or the processes used. Do save these items for your family and friends.
In addition to unstable funding and the growing need for food assistance, another challenge food banks face is WASTE – waste of staff and volunteer time sorting through and disposing of food that is not appropriate to be shared with our neighbors. We can help with this major issue by double-checking our votes before they are placed under the trees. THANKS for your help!
Enjoy the Festival of Trees during coffee hour, after worship, Sundays between 12/3 - 1/7, Wednesday, 12/13 from 7-8pm, and Saturday, 12/16 from 6-7pm, before the Christmas concert. Invite your friends and neighbors to join you too!
