Collecting, sorting, and distributing food are components of an effective food drive. For many people who learn about the hunger issue, the natural inclination is to donate food through a food drive or other activity. This is a powerful way to engage the young and inexperienced volunteer to take action, and one that has immediate and direct impact.
Another way to make a difference is to raise money for anti-hunger nonprofit organizations. While food drives are a great way to engage volunteers, many professional anti-hunger organizations can more effectively leverage cash donations to buy products, increase capacity to serve more people or invest in innovative ideas. These groups buy in bulk and/or obtain large-scale donations to feed far more people. When professional anti-hunger organizations purchase food, they buy more nutritious foods, and food they know low-income families need most.