Our Caps & Cans event in Manchester collected 148.2 kg of food for Manchester Central Foodbank. The foodbank told us that was 22 three-day emergency food parcels, or 198 meals. We are not experts, but we learned a lot. If you want to run your own, here is what we would do again.
1. Talk to the foodbank first
Before anything else, contact your local foodbank. Ask what they actually need, how they want to receive it, and whether they have dates that work better than others. They will often have a list. Ours included tinned meat and fish, tinned veg and fruit, pasta sauce, coffee, UHT milk, cereals, toiletries, baked beans, tinned soup and instant mashed potato.
2. Pick a place and a date
You need a space people can reach easily and a day when people are free. We used the Cupra City Garage on St Ann's Square on a Saturday. A Saturday in the daytime worked well because people could come and go.
3. Give people a reason to come
People are generous, but they are also busy. We added things to the day: games, a raffle, music and food. The simple rule that worked best: bring a donation, any tin, packet or amount of money, and get a free go on the games. It made giving feel like a moment, not a chore.
4. Make giving easy
- Put clear collection crates by the door
- Have a QR code to the foodbank's JustGiving page for anyone who prefers to give by phone
- Share the shopping list on social media beforehand so people turn up with the right things
5. Ask local businesses for help
Prizes, food, venue space, press. Be specific about what you are asking for and what you can offer back. Some will say no. Some will not reply. Some will say yes and make the whole day.
6. Plan for the day
Get helpers. Know who is doing what. Have a plan for weighing and recording donations so you can report back accurately.
7. Report back honestly
Tell people what was collected, what it did and who helped. Thank everyone. Numbers matter, and so do names.
Next steps
Not near Manchester? Look up your nearest foodbank on the Trussell website and ask them what they need. If you are in Manchester, you can still give to Manchester Central Foodbank at justgiving.com/m-c-f.
Read the full story of the day in our recap.
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