“All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt!”
Lucy Van Pelt
In Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz
Eighty-eight percent of those pounds were nutritional foods – think meats, dairy, fruits and veggies.
So then, what the heck is in that last four million pounds?
In addition to the nutritional food we receive, we also bring in donations that include health and beauty products, household items, snacks and desserts.
Though we obviously prefer the healthier, high-nutrition foods, we know that struggling families need shampoo and paper towels, just like the rest of us.
Procuring candy donations isn’t a high priority for us. But we do believe that every person, regardless of their socio-economic status, deserves to treat themselves.
I can speak from personal experience when I say that a cookie or sweet after a healthy meal hits the spot!
What kind of birthday would a kid have without a birthday cake? How do you celebrate Valentine’s Day without a little chocolate or candy hearts?
The St. Louis Area Foodbank receives candy and desserts from our retail partners whenever the items are close to the best-by date.
We tend to get big donations of candy after all major holidays. We get a variety – holiday-themed candy considered unsellable by our stores, candy with misprinted packaging, or a new flavor that wasn’t a big seller.
We are fortunate to have The Hershey Company as a partner of Feeding America and its member food banks.
In fiscal year 2013, the Foodbank received 70,000 pounds from Hershey. So far this year, we have received nearly 14,000 pounds of goods from Hershey. The items we receive from Hershey generally come directly from their Midwest Distribution Center in Edwardsville, Ill.
As a Foodbank, we are glad to accept these items and distribute them to our agencies in a timely manner, instead of seeing them thrown away.
Giving someone the ability to receive such a special treat for Valentine’s Day is truly rewarding. We may not be that person’s “Valentine” per se, but surely we hope to have brightened their day when they are handed a chocolate sweet.
This Valentine’s Day, consider skipping the giant box of chocolate and buying a smaller one. With the extra money, donate to help us share a little love with families in need.
By Shannon O’Connor
