While much of the food we distribute is donated, we do also purchase food to meet our community’s need and provide a healthy and balanced diet. And while the majority of our work is performed by dedicated volunteers, we still must raise additional funds for our operating costs. Between rent, staff, utilities and the rising cost of gas, your donations are vital to keeping IFC’s mission alive.
We encourage individuals and groups, including service organizations, local companies, schools, churches, temples, youth groups, and families, to donate. In addition to donating, anyone can help to raise critical funds for the disadvantaged in their community by organizing, running or working on local fundraising events. As a federally-registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, all individual donations to the Interfaith Food Center are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Food
Hunger is a daily issue in our community, and IFC has ongoing needs for nutritious, shelf-stable, packaged food items, along with produce and high-protein food items, for our Food Distribution, Homeless Lunch and Emergency Assistance programs.
Individuals and groups can donate or organize a food drive, a fun, hands-on way for you to help neighbors in need and to make a direct and positive impact on our community. Food drives can be as simple or complex as you wish them to be. If you do hold a food drive, we ask that you contact us ahead of time so we can organize logistics: dates and times, whether you will be delivering the food or if it will be picked up from your event, etc… We strongly encourage you to consider joining hands with us by conducting a drive in your neighborhood, at your place of business, school, scout group, civic organization or houses of worship.
Contact for food drive
ndiaz@interfaithfoodcenter.org
562-903-1478 (ext.203)
Food Item Wish List
Please note these are general recommendations and guidelines. The condition of food should be measured on an individual, case by case basis.
General Food Donations
- Peanut Butter
- Tuna Fish
- Canned Items (Fruit, Vegetables, Stews, Chili, Soups, Meats)
- Boxed Meals
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Pasta
- Cereal
- Beans
- Rice
- “Pop Top” Food items
Homeless Lunch Program and Kid-Friendly Donations
- Fruit Cups (small cans with pop tops)
- Granola Bars (healthy varieties)
- Boxed Juice (6-8 oz)
- Soup (pop top)
- Tuna kits (easy open)
- Cereal (small boxes, healthy varieties)
- Fruit snacks and dry fruit
- Individual serving applesauce or pudding
- Instant oatmeal or pudding
- Crackers/chips
- Sunflower seeds, nuts, and trail or granola mixes
Note: pop-top cans are homeless friendly and most preferred
Before You Donate
Donation Requirements
- Canned and packaged goods in original packaging
- Must be in good condition with original food label up to one year past sell-by-date on package.
Items We Can’t Use
- Home-canned or Home-made goods
- Rusty or Unlabeled Cans
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Opened or Used Items
- Glass Containers (they may break)
- Baby food past sell-by-date
Rules Of Thumb
- Would you expect someone else to eat food that you yourself would not eat?
- If in doubt, throw it out!
Discarding food that does not meet generally accepted food safety standards criteria is not being wasteful. You are actually helping more by protecting the health and lives of the at-risk hungry community that we serve.
Donate through our Wish List through your Amazon Account!
Simply scan the QR Code below and have the items delivered to your home or business
(Please do not ship to IFC!)
