DVCers interested in donating "leftover food"?

[Claudia1]

Until there is a more permanent solution, could you provide us with a phone number? Maybe we could call them to inform them of a package left upon check-out?

They may not want to make small pick-ups, though......

Wonderful idea! Thanks so much for working on it!

 

[BCVOwner2002]

I believe it would be okay if they didn't pick up every day since the items would be non-perishable. My only concern is storage at bell service. I wonder if they would have to set up a special area for this. I hope DVC posts something either on their website, in the welcome home packets or a note in each villa. Annmarie

 

[Margie J]

This from our "Keynotes" directory of services:

"Prepared unserved food is collected through the Disney Harvest Program, which distributes this food in conjunction with the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, to local non-profit agencies. Unservable food waste is mixed with yard waste, wood waste, animal manure and biosolids to use in compost production."


So, Second Harvest already does pick-ups at Disney. I knew I had seen info on this somewhere. Now, we just need a place to drop off our unperishable items.

 

[InstImpres]

I played tag with both Jackie at MS and Rick of Second Harvest on Friday. I think based on messages from 2nd Harvest they will beginning quickly (probably about 1 -1 1/2 weeks). The plan is to pick up twice a week (I am suggesting Tuesday & Friday, since Friday is a big checkout day). They will evaluate how it goes and adjust the schedule as needed.

I'll keep everyone posted once I iron it out with both of them and I'll post a "pick-up tag" that can be placed on packages.

Thanks for the support
Sandy

 

[nezy]

Wow! What a great idea. It does seem like an easy enought thing to do!
thanks for organizing this. You make me realize yet again why I love being a part of the DVC!

 

[BCVOwner2002]

Thanks for keeping us posted. Annmarie

 

[Claudia1]

I repeat..... this is a phenomenal idea! The "pick-up" tag is even better! I'm curious to see how many DISer's might use the service. Would it be possible to have "DIS" somewhere on the tag, just to see how many of us help out? I expect that this program will go well and will be copied.

As someone who regularly dontates to such organizations, I would suggest the Second Harvest provide us with very specific criteria for donated foods (i.e. must still be sealed in the original packaging, no refrigeration needed, etc....). For example, individually packaged & commercially sealed granola bars are great. Left-over cereal in a ziplock bag is not. We certainly don't want them to be so overloaded with cast-offs that they may not want to continue the service.

InstImpress: Will this just be for DVD resorts or any other resorts? Could there be a call number for the other resorts?

For the mods: Once this is in place, could you share the info on the Resorts. Family, or any other Board that might be interested. DVCer's are not the only guests that bring food to WDW and many guests at the DVC resorts are paying guests.

This is so great!

 

[Minybear]

Thats a great idea. I wish we had know prior to our trip 2 wks ago due to we always leave food in the room and donate to housekeeping.

 

[dianeschlicht]

So you know, food left in the room is donated to garbage, not housekeeping!

 

[Laurabearz]

I love this idea!!

 

[InstImpres]

Just a quick update......

I spoke with Jackie and have DVC's approval to go ahead with this. It does not sound like they have any interest in faciliating extra donations,, though time will tell. Jackie then had me speak with community relations. I have approval from one person there but need final approval from one more person.

The one thought it was wonderful that we could all be so giving. She did note that the idea of twice a week pick-up sounded good but that it may be confusing. They are going to see if they can combine this with the prepared food pickups that are being made at the resorts now.

I should hear back from everyone with the next 2 days and food pickup should start by this Friday (provided we get all the approvals). I'll post again with the final info on acceptable food, packaging, drop location, etc. I am also going to contact Webmaster Pete about using the DIS logo,

Thanks for all the support.
Sandy

 

[cgcw]

Wonderful idea. We always have something we intend to use and don't. Now it will go to a good home. I always assumed housekeeping was able to keep the items left behind.