Who We Are

The Ashland Food Project was started in January 2009 by a small group of Ashland residents who wanted make it easy for people to donate food to the Ashland Emergency Food Bank. We realized that many of our neighbors wanted to help fight hunger in our community, but for one reason or another, never get around to it. So we created a simple, door-to-door food collection system to enable them to pitch in.

 We had three goals:

  1. To provide a regular supply of food to our hungry neighbors
  2. To create new neighborhood connections and strengthen our community
  3. To serve as a model for other communities

Armed with brochures that proclaimed, “You want to help, We want to make it easy!,” AFP volunteers canvassed our own neighborhoods, knocking on doors and inviting our neighbors to participate. Whenever they said “Yes,” we suggested that they buy just one extra nonperishable food item each week, and store it at home. We promised to stop by their homes every 2 months, pick the food up, and take it directly to the food bank.

The project started with a core group of 10 volunteers picking up food. About a year later, there were over 150 in 3 different towns. The first Pickup Day, in 2009, netted about 600 pounds of food. By August, 2011, we were picking up more than 36,000 lbs. county-wide, every two months.

We’re honored that you'd consider joining us, sharing food with neighbors and building a stronger community. It’s our hope that as a volunteer with the Ashland Food Project, you'll have fun, grow, get to know people, and feel generally good about yourself and your town.

Next Pickup Day: Saturday, June 8

Most Needed Items:

  • Cereal
  • Hearty Soups
  • Cooking Oil

Non-Perishable Food

  • Canned Meat
  • Canned Fruit
  • Canned Tuna
  • Canned Beans
  • Dried Beans
  • Pinto Beans
  • Canned Corn
  • Masa
  • Brown Rice
  • Long Grain White Rice
  • Plain Stewed Tomatoes
  • Fruit Cocktail
  • Side Dishes
  • Soy Milk
  • Canned Milk
  • Texturized Vegetable Protein
  • Pasta
  • Vegetables
  • Side Dishes (Hamburger Helper, Rice-a-Roni, etc.)

Especially for Seniors

  • Dried Fruits
  • Ready made jell-o & pudding
  • Ensure protein drinks
  • Low-sodium Pull-tab Soups
  • Low-sodium Single-
    Serving Meals
  • Low-sodium Crackers
  • Green Tea (regular and decaf)
  • Canned Vegetables
  • Hard Candies

Non-Food Items

  • Diapers
  • Toilet Paper
  • Toothpaste
  • Toothbrushes
  • Soap