Does anyone know how I can get corporations to donate food and drinks for a community event?

Question

I am organizning a concert in the park this spring, and my organization has close to no funds. I would like to get some grocery stores to donate hot dogs, ground beef, buns, condiments and sodas, but I have no idea how to go about this. Who has experience doing this? And what's the best way to accomplish this goal?

Wow! I will be on this... thank you all for getting to me so quickly. Anyone in the West Phx area should come, so I can hook them up with some of the donated stuff ya'all are helpin me get! :)

Answer 1

Stores like to donate to community events. You'll find that almost no one will turn you down when you ask for a donation. Besides going to large grocery chains, you can make contact with bread companies, whole sale meat companies ( They usually sell to restaurants) and even places like McDonald's will often donate their big orange coolers and drink mix along with the cups to serve in. If you plan to have door prizes you can start going business to business asking for donations. Starbucks will often donate to these kinds of events. Salons, sports chains, stores like Target etc .. If there will be a lot of people, then a 50/50 drawing is great. You can sell the tickets 3 or 4 for a dollar and at the end of the evening, you do a drawing and the winner takes half the money you raised and you keep half for your organization. If you acquire a lot of donated items for door prizes, then you can also make up gift baskets and raffle those off. This way, you cover the cost of the food, and you also bring in money for your club with the raffles etc ... It's a lot of fun. The most important thing is to remember to write a letter of thanks to the people who donate. Best wishes to you!

Answer 2

Food Donations For Events

Answer 3

I do know that the best way to solicit donations is to go in person and talk directly with the manager if possible. Have an advertisement or flyer for the event, along with a general letter explaining what the event is about with you to hand them personally. Be friendly and tell them that you will have signs at the concert that publicly acknowledge who the contributors are. You don't necessarily have to get everything from the grocery stores - - - - some businesses, like banks, law offices, realitors, etc., will donate money to go towards buying supplies also. It would be best to start 4-6 weeks in advance, so I hope you can get to work on it right away. After the event, remember to send a thank-you and also maybe a thank-you in the local newspaper so that readers will know the generosity of the local businesses.

Good luck & I hope the event is a great success and a lot of fun!

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Does anyone know how I can get corporations to donate food and drinks for a community event?
I am organizning a concert in the park this spring, and my organization has close to no funds. I would like to get some grocery stores to donate hot dogs, ground beef, buns, condiments and sodas, but I have no idea how to go about this. Who has experience doing this? And what's the best way to...

Answer 5

How To Get Food Donations

Answer 6

Years ago, a friend had a lot of medical expenses due to treatement for cancer. Some of his friends wanted to help so we got together and simply asked.

Walmart allowed us to use their parking lot. They also donated large cases of hot dogs and frozen hambuger patties. A bread company (Mrs. Baird's in Texas) donated hot dog and hambuger buns. Pepsi donated a vending trailer like those used at carnivals. They also supplied free Pepsi and Diet Pepsi syrup, soda or CO2 bottles, and free cups with lids and straws. They gave as much as we needed.

A local rental company donated a generator, extension cords and a very large barbque grill. It was about 5 feet long. Another rental company donated a U-haul truck and and a portable stage for local rock bands to play on. The kids in the local rock bands performed for free. They were very professional and talented. A local amusement company donated the use of a blow-up Moon Walk for kids to jump around in. Other people donated money and time. We even had a company donate Porta-Potties and the necessary service.

We were all a little surprised and touched when we learned that people will help if you simply ASK!
All we did in return, was announce their generosity on a public address system during our event.

Good Luck

Answer 7

I used to hold an event like that every year at my old job. We got so many donations from stores and business it was crazy. All you have to do is call around to places and ask to talk to a manager or owner and tell them about your event and the purpose. I use to get free 2 night stays at hotels and everything.
At each event we did have it so you had to bring atleast one food donation to help out the community so if you do that make sure you tell the business you call and they will be sure to help.
Good Luck

Answer 8

Take a letter in person to the corp. you want to solicit funds from and ask to speak to public relations dept, or the store manager if you go to a grocery store. Then explain what you are doing for the community and how they can help or be involved. I have found that wholesalers are sometimes the best, like Costco. If they have a dent in a can of six pack, they usually get rid of it, its an option as well.

Answer 9

You should contact your local soft drink bottling companies. Each one has someone who specifically deals with donations and they are happy to help worthwhile organizations. My mom works for Pepsi and she handles donations and special events in our area. I would find out how many places like that do donations for your type of event.

Answer 10

Send a letter to some businesses around town and let them know about your event, the purposes for the event, etc. Then proceed to ask if they would perhaps be willing to donate something to aid you in running the event.