Questions and Answers
How can I help?
Donate food.
Our partner agencies are collecting non-perishable food at their offices and other locations. Contact your agency coordinator for more information. For suggestions on desired donations, download the Most Wanted List 
[21 KB] and start shopping.
What else can I do to help people in need?
Find service opportunities across the country through United We Serve, www.serve.gov.
Will the Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB) accept pet food?
Yes, the CAFB accepts pet food. The CAFB forwards all pet food donations to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and does not distribute it to any agencies.
Will the Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB) accept school supplies?
Yes, the CAFB accepts school supplies. The CAFB uses school supplies with its Kids Café program.
What does the Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB) need?
A needs list was emailed to the agency coordinators. After the first collection date, June 26, 2009, the CAFB will do an assessment of items received and determine targeted items to be collected for the July 31 and August 28 collection. For suggestions on desired donations, download the Most Wanted List [21 KB] and start shopping.
Can I drop off food on dates other than the dues dated listed on this website?
In most cases agencies are accepting donations up until the last Friday of the month. However, we encourage you to contact the Coordinator for specific agency you work for in order to obtain instructions on the procedure applicable to employees of that agency.
Can the general public participate in this food drive?
Anyone who has access to the donation locations provided by federal agencies are free to make a donation.
Can peanut butter and peanut products be donated?
Yes, peanut butter and peanut products can be donated.
Are there any types of food you do not accept?
We cannot accept perishable food items. If you have a question about the acceptability of an item you're considering donating, contact the Coordinator for the agency in which you work.
Can I donate cash?
Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) regulations provide that the CFC is the only monetary solicitation in the Federal workplace on behalf of charities. We hope you will, nevertheless, consider being part of the effort by bringing in non-perishable food.
This seems like a very charitable cause. Can I make a donation on behalf of my sister's Bakery?
No monetary donations are being accepted. All food donations must be delivered to boxes located in participating agencies.
Are you accepting corporate partners/sponsors?
This food drive is being organized by OPM in partnership with the Chief Human Capital Officers Council. Members of the National Defense Transportation Association have volunteered to assist the US Military with transporting donated items to the food bank.
Why is the federal government doing this? Isn't this something that should be a private matter?
This food drive represents a small way in which federal employees can give back to the communities where we live, work and play. The food drive is a voluntary effort. Employees who wish to participate may do so by dropping off donations to food bank boxes that will be placed in agency facilities.
Why is this campaign limited to 3 months?
During the summer months, food banks traditionally encounter lulls in the level of giving due to holidays and other demands on donors' time. This year, the surge in demand coupled with a drop in donations has literally emptied food pantries' shelves heading into the summer months. To help the food pantries stock up to meet critical needs for their services, the Office of Personnel Management and the Chief Human Capital Officers Council will collect non-perishable food donations on the last Fridays in June, July, and August (June 26, July 31, and August 28).
What authority does OPM have to do a food drive?
The Warm Up to Giving Food Drive is voluntary. It was established to address this summer's urgent need for assistance to our community's families. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is partnering with the Chief Human Capital Officers Council to lead the “Warm Up to Giving” food drive.