Food Drives

Food donations from the public and our industry partners are vital to our food operations and help us feed our neighbors in need across the Rio Grande Valley.

HOST A FOOD DRIVE

We thank you for your interest in helping the Food Bank RGV fight hunger. Please view our options below to see what category your food donation would fall under.

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Food drives are a simple and meaningful way for individuals, businesses, and organizations to give back while helping families facing hunger. They are also great for team building and friendly competition and remain one of the most traditional and impactful ways to support Food Bank RGV.

Most needed foods
Canned meats (tuna, salmon, chicken)
Pasta and rice
Peanut butter
Soups
Individual easy-open snacks and meals
Instant potatoes
Spaghetti sauce
Canned vegetables
Dry beans

Logistics
We are going green and encouraging participants to recycle and reuse boxes. Please collect food in small boxes or clean containers you already have. Copy paper–sized boxes are ideal because they are easy to move and transport when filled. Large boxes may look impressive, but once full, they are very difficult to lift and move.

Drop-off and pickups
To support our green initiative, food drive donations should be dropped off at our historic Valley Fruit Company warehouse, located at 724 North Cage Boulevard in Pharr, Texas.

Drop-off hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30–11:30 a.m. and 1:30–4:30 p.m. Drop-offs after 2:00 p.m. are preferred due to lighter warehouse traffic and staff availability to assist with unloading.

Pickups are available for large donations of 1,000 pounds or items or more, based on availability. Exact dates and times cannot be guaranteed. Please note that we no longer schedule deliveries or pickups on Fridays. Whenever possible, self drop-off helps us save resources and serve more people.

Please register your food drive by completing this form.  For questions, contact us at 956-904-4517.

Have you considered adding a fund drive or “Virtual Food Drive” to run in conjunction with your food drive? Every little bit matters and makes a difference in the lives of those who desperately need your help.

It’s true! A pocket full of change or a few spare dollars can go further when donated to the Food Bank RGV. Did you know a $5 Donation = 25 complete meals provided?

Sign Up Here to Host a Virtual Food Drive  

The Food Bank RGV accepts non-perishable, dry or bulk products that are:

  • Unlabeled or mislabeled
  • Rejected but still safe for human consumption or use
  • Discontinued items
  • Off spec items
  • Damaged items (some restrictions apply)
  • Close-dated items
  • Various past “best if used by” dated products

The Food Bank RGV may also receive excess inventory of perishables and produce, if the product is still fit for human consumption and is usable. 

These donations may be received in our warehouse by appointment only. If you’d like to make a bulk food or produce donation please call Karla Ramirez at 956-904-4531 or email her at karamirez@foodbankrgv.com

Who can host a food drive?

  • Anyone! If you or your organization is interested in hosting a food drive, we are always open to the collaboration! Food Drives are one of the most traditional ways to help your Food Bank RGV feed our community.

How to register for a Food Drive?

  • Click the link/scan the QR Code, fill out the quick google form, and get started. This is NOT an application waiting on approval, this is simply a log to help us keep track of all the great work you are doing!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScbiwO4EapLjTuq7TUT2MM4nGqg60E0dSYR_dJQMIWD4BRWbw/viewform

What do you prefer: money or food?

  • Food Banks can stretch a dollar, the Food Bank RGV can help provide 25 meals for every $5 donated. However, traditional canned food drives can work as team building and community engagement exercises while bringing awareness to our mission!

How long does my food drive have to be?

  • That is entirely up to you! It can be one big One-Day only event, or it can be as long as a month. It is what works best for you and your organization.

Can we advertise your food drive?

  • Absolutely, we just ask that if a Food Bank RGV logo is used, that it be sent in for prior approval. We are happy to share your food drives on our social media channels as well.

For general public, school, and organization food drives: Christina (956)-904-4517
For corporate retail or produce donations: Karla Ramirez (956)-904-4531