AFAC’s Birthday Givers Project lets parents teach young children the value of helping others by actively participating. Here is how it works:
Around the time of your child’s birthday, explain that as part of the celebration, you both will be making a special gift together. Let them know that AFAC feeds hungry people, and that over 30% of the clients AFAC feeds are children.
Then take your child with you to the store to the store and choose a number of food donation items corresponding to your child’s age. Nothing perishable or glass.
Here is a list of our most requested items:
Food Donation Needs
- Breakfast cereal (low sugar)
- Canned tuna/chicken/salmon
- Soup (low sodium)
- Masa (corn flour)
- Rice
- Dry Beans (red/black/kidney)
- Cooking Oil (in plastic bottle)
- Canned Fruit (low-syrup)
- Oatmeal (NOT instant)
So for example, if your daughter is turning 6, you might have her pick out 6 boxes of cereal, 6 cans of tuna, 6 cans of low sodium soup, and 6 small plastic bottles of cooking oil.
You can drop off your donations any time during regular hours of operation. The food you bring will be weighed and you and your child will get a receipt for your tax-deductible donation. Your child’s name will also appear in the Fresh News as a Birthday Giver the following week.
You might also consider making a monetary donation as well. It helps AFAC buy fresh produce, which is an important part of any healthy meal. So if your son is turning five, maybe give five dollars. Better yet ask your child to contribute some of their own money - however small - as a gift. He or she will receive a letter from the Executive Director personally thanking them for their contribution!