M-A’s annual canned food drive kicks off on Nov. 5, ends Dec. 4

To help alleviate hunger and draw attention to the hunger problem in San Mateo and Santa Clara County, the Leadership class at Menlo-Atherton High School coordinates an annual, award-winning canned food drive. This year the high school is again partnering with Second Harvest to ensure that families continue to have access to food sources beyond the canned food drive.

Here are ways that you can help:

When shopping for your family, please add a few extra cans to your cart and drop them into the Second Harvest Food Bank (SHFB) barrels. They are located at Bianchini’s in Ladera, Draeger’s in Menlo Park; Key Market in Redwood City; Roberts Market in Portola Valley, three different Safeways (Sequoia Station, on El Camino in Menlo Park, and in Sharon Heights), Trader Joe’s in Menlo Park, and Whole Foods in Palo Alto.

Consider donating online Enter “high school” in the Online Food Drive box and select Menlo-Atherton High School so that your gift can be properly credited to the M-A outreach effort.

Some students conduct food drives in their neighborhoods: welcome them!

The items most needed are:

• Meals in a can (stew, chili, soup)
• Tuna and canned meat
• Peanut butter
• Canned foods with pop-top lids
• Low-sugar cereals
• 100% fruit juices in single serving boxes
• Canned fruit packed in juice
• Canned vegetables (low salt)

Please avoid donating items packaged in glass.

The scheduled distribution day this year is Dec. 7 from 9-12; canned food will be accepted until Dec. 4.

If you would like to receive food, please call this anonymous Menlo-Atherton voicemail at (650) 322-5311, ext. 58669.

Photo from 2012 food drive