For the month of November (and possibly December), I'll be hosting a food drive for my local community in the Three Points area of Tucson, the Robles Ranch Food Bank. As a resident in the area of Tucson for the past 10 years I know first-hand many don't even consider it a part of Tucson and I've even heard people say "there's nothing out there". While our options for food access and groceries are limited, there is many people and families in the Three Points Community. The need is great out here and many folks also struggle with transportation and accessibility to community care in the city being located over 20+ miles from the westside of Interstate 10.
I stopped in to visit with the director of the Robles Ranch Food Bank recently to see what kind of items I could collect for them, what things they'd be thrilled to get, and any other ways we can help. With this info in mind, I'd love nothing more to help stock their shelves for the coming holidays and beyond, and I'm hoping you'll join me in spreading some good cheer to others in the Tucson community, even the ones that live on the outskirts of town. *I'll be leaving a list of suggested items at the bottom of this post.
As a token of my appreciation, I'll be issuing a coupon for a 10% off discount at my booth or on my website to anyone that brings me at least 4 items to donate to the Robles food bank during my TWO upcoming November markets in Tucson. FYI- I've received the blessing of both market organizers to accept donations in my booth during market hours, however if you are thinking of bringing much more than 4 items or wish to give fresh items- let's connect outside the market for the hand off as to not disrupt my fellow artists and makers.
Want to donate and receive a discount coupon? Here's the plan:
- Select a minimum of 4 food or personal hygiene items to donate.
- Bring your donations to me at either of my November markets in Tucson: Artisan Market at Harlow Gardens (Nov 8th + 9th), or the Desert Air Market (Nov 15th).
- OR you can connect with me to arrange a time outside of the market hours *especially if you'd like to donate a large amount of goods or fresh items like meat, produce, eggs, etc... to make sure I'm able to properly accept and/or refrigerate the items.
- You'll receive a 10% off coupon from me on the spot that you can use immediately at my booth or on my website, or save it for a future purchase; coupon will be valid for one year- expiring 11/30/2026.
- I'm also willing to accept cash or Venmo monetary donations ($10 suggested donation) that I will take to Costco and buy more food or other needed items for the food bank. *Edit to add my Venmo: @Christina-Holland-21 (please note your donation is for the food drive- thank you!)
Thanks in advance for helping me care for more members in the Tucson community, every gift or donation is welcome and appreciated.
Here are some suggestions, things to keep in mind, and a few wish list items from the director and volunteers at the Robles Ranch Food Bank:
Food Suggestions:
- Peanut Butter, Jams + Jellies
- Canned meats- chicken, tuna, salmon, Spam, etc...
- Canned Fruits and Veggies *low sodium/low sugar preferred
- Canned Soups, Beans, Chili, etc...
- Dried beans, lentils, rice, grains....
- Flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking soda/powder...
- Pastas and noodles
- Oatmeals, cereal
- Baby food, formula, etc...
- Shelf-stable/powdered milk, butter, or dairy alternatives
- *Fresh meats other than hotdogs (wish list item)
- *Fresh fruits and vegetables
- *Fresh dairy- eggs, milk, cheese
- Instant/just add water meals- potatoes, gravy, soups, oatmeal, baking mixes...
- Bread, bagels, muffins, crackers
- Nuts, seeds, dried fruits
- Applesauce
- Cooking oils, vinegar
- Salt/Pepper, dried herbs & spices
- Granola & Protein bars
- Condiments- ketchup, mustard, hot sauces, BBQ sauce, pickles, olives..
- Water
- Shelf-stable juice *low sugar/100% juice preferred
- Cake mix + frosting
- Pancake mix, biscuit mix, and other baking mixes
*FRESH items on this list- Please connect with me ahead of the market to make sure I'm capable of accepting and refrigerating the items.
Personal Items or Miscellaneous:
- Feminine Hygiene products!!!
- Individually wrapped rolls of Toilet Paper, Paper Towels, Kleenex
- Diapers, Pull-ups, wipes
- Men's shaving items
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss..
- Cleaning products- dish soap, laundry soap, all-purpose soap
- Shampoo + Conditioner
- Body wash, bar soaps, lotion
- Refillable water bottles
- Food storage- baggies, plastic wrap, tin foil, etc...
- Pet food for Dogs and Cats
- Grocery store gift cards
Things to Consider or Keep in mind:
- Canned goods with pull tab lids are preferred
- Consider donating items with low sodium, no sugar, vegetarian, gluten free, etc... for people with medial dietary restrictions.
- Large bags of Dog or Cat food will be split up at the food bank in order to give to more families with pets *they use quart size baggies for Cat food and gallon size for Dog food, donations of baggies for this are also appreciated.
- Avoid packaging in cellophane or glass
- You can also donate goods or funds to the Robles Ranch Food Bank directly by reaching out to The Friends of Robles Ranch
This is a working list and I will update it with new suggestions, wish list goods, or items that are of great need as often as possible. If you have anything to add to the list, please CONTACT me or leave a comment below. Together we WILL make an impact for everyone in our communities near and far.