Blessings of Hope is a nonprofit food distribution center, or a food bank. Corporations and manufacturers can efficiently donate excess food to accomplish zero food waste, give back to the community, and feed the hungry. We accept product donations as well, including household items, auction items for our annual fundraiser, and supplies for disaster relief efforts. No matter how you choose to contribute, you can be sure that your donation is a blessing to those who need it the most.
Why are Food Donations a Part of Fighting Hunger?
Did you know that in 2015, food manufacturers wasted 10.6 billion pounds of food? Of those 10.6 billion pounds, 179.6 million pounds ended up in landfills, and only 156 million pounds—or 1.5% of the food waste—was donated. Food donations are a vital part in fighting hunger, since successful food recovery efforts propose the ability to end food insecurity worldwide!
What Type of Donation Items are Accepted?
Items that are over-produced, over-shipped, mislabeled, or not suitable for sale due to being misshapen or unattractive. For example, one company donated 40 skids of sweet potatoes because the starch percentage didn’t fit their chip recipe requirements. We accept any donation examples that would usually end up as a retail reject. We also accept close dated items since retail stores require approximately 3 weeks to get the item to the consumer while we can reach them within a week. If you have something you don’t need or wish to donate, we accept that too.
What is our Company Partnership Process?
When your food manufacturing or produce warehouse business decides to partner with Blessings of Hope for food recovery, it doesn’t have to be an overwhelming process. Our logistics team arranges a pickup at your location or you can drop off at our warehouse if you prefer. Then, our food distribution center can redistribute the food to hunger relief organizations who serve their local communities. To schedule a pick-up or drop off call our dispatcher at 717-824-1227 (Ext. 108) or 717-466-1551, or email us at dispatch@blessingsofhope.com.
More About our Operational Process
We partner with over 1,100 nonprofits that distribute food in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. The food we receive is cross-docked, stored for re-delivery, or sorted/packed into our Hands of Hope food boxes by over 12,000 volunteers. Occasionally we preserve some food to optimize a food donation. All product is utilized to accomplish zero food waste. Food that isn’t acceptable for use is composted and returned to farms and gardens for a new cycle of food production.
Food Recovery Partnership Benefits
When you partner with Blessings of Hope, there are many benefits to you and your organization.
- Tax deductions for surplus food donations can often exceed the tax shield earned from food disposal. Some food donations are even eligible for enhanced tax deductions, up to 15% of taxable income, as outlined in the 501(c)3 nonprofits, section 170(e)(3) of the U.S. Tax Code.
- Many potential employees want to work for companies they can believe in. Your company’s efforts to give back to the community will inspire your current staff and help you attract new talent in the years ahead.
- Americans are more environmentally conscious than ever, actively seeking out companies that put sustainability and environmental stewardship at the core of their missions. Donating your surplus food expands your sustainability profile in the community.
- Your contributions are an investment in the prosperity of the community that surrounds your business. You can feel good knowing that your food donations make a difference in the lives of local families. Contact us today to get started.
How Other Individuals or Businesses Can Help
If you don’t have items to donate but still want to give back to Blessings of Hope, there are several ways you can help, such as:
Hosting a food outreach at your company. We can provide the prepacked, 40-pound boxes, and your team can volunteer to distribute them to the community in need.
Volunteering as a group or individually at our food distribution warehouse.
Donating financially to Blessings of Hope.
