Giving the Gift of Food

'Tis season of giving and eating. Can the two go hand-in-hand? Yes. When you do your homework ahead of time. We reached out to Eat Greater Des Moines to discover the best way to assist local food pantries and shelters who work year-round to provide food and meal assistance to Central Iowans. So while the spirit of giving is top of mind, here's the best way to help these organizations. And we challenge you to make this a year-round habit for a year-round need.

1. Understand What They Need Before You Give
To make your donation a win-win for you and them, reach out to find out what they need most for the holidays as well as year-round. Find a food pantry close to you and connect with the volunteers. Food pantries typically need non-perishable items and not your leftover prepared food. Baked items, fresh fruits and vegetables with some shelf life left might be welcome, but to be safe, ask first.

2. Your Sweat Equity is Welcome
Along with donating food, why not donate your time? Many have seasonal ways to give, such as serving Thanksgiving or Christmas meals at food shelters, but all have seasonal and year-round needs. For example, Hope Ministries has year-round and holiday opportunities on its website.

3. Leftovers Best Sent Home with Guests
If you find you have misjudged how much your family and guests will eat, it's best to send the leftovers home with your guests versus taking them to a shelter or food pantry. While some local shelters serve meals onsite seven days a week, small quantities aren't a fit for them. So ask your guests to bring containers to take leftovers home.

One exception to this rule of thumb is Central Iowa Shelter. Development Coordinator Tom Vance told us that this downtown shelter can accept leftovers from any occasion – even if the amount can't feed everyone at the shelter. All food is inspected before it is served again and is distributed within 12 hours of donation.

4. Advocate Food Rescue
Holiday parties are held every day of the week this time of year. Whether it's catered or held at a local restaurant, hire businesses that participate in food rescue or encourage them to participate. Central Iowa Shelter has a food rescue crew that collects leftover food from participating restaurants, caterers, hotels and local events. This organization welcomes more partners to join the list of existing ones. Eat Greater Des Moines also lists other area sites providing meals. Find one to partner with in 2014.

Many restaurants don't participate in food rescue because they are under the impression that food safety regulations prevent it. Gently tell them they are misinformed. The Emerson Good Samaritan Act of 1996 was created to protect businesses and grocery stores when they donate to non-profit organizations. So as you dine out or hire catering companies, ask them to participate and break down the misconceptions that exist.

5. Help with Food Rescue
Take it a step farther than advocacy and join the food rescue crew or ask your local pantry whether they need someone to make runs for them. Local grocery stores often donate baked items and fresh fruit and vegetables to the food pantries in their area. Volunteers are always needed to make weekly or monthly rounds. Commit to making one trip a week or month.

For more information on safe and smart disposal and recycling options, visit us at www.WhereItShouldGo.com or call 244.0021.