FAQ

What should I fill the bag with?

You always want to provide non-perishable items to food banks. Most local food banks have their own wish lists, but here's a good general list from the Central Illinois Food Bank.

https://www.centralilfoodbank.org/documents/wishlist.pdf

Donating money can make your cash go much farther because food banks can use their buying power to get more food at lower prices. You can check with the same food collection organizations found using the zip code locator to determine whether or not they accept monetary donations.

What if my bag has no ID?

Attached to each bag is a dog tag with a unique ID number. This number is used to track the bags as they are passed from person to person. If your ID tag has been lost, you may still participate. Simply use the code 0000 when submitting your bag. Using this code will not allow your bag to be tracked individually, but you will still be able to locate drop points and be counted.

How can I get a bag?

At this time, we have distributed a limited number of bags to our friends and family. Please contact info@thisbagfightshunger.com if you're interested in getting bags for your organization.

How many bags are there?

Currently, there are 250 bags in circulation across the U.S.

Are the drop locations in the zip code locator restricted to the Chicago area?

No. While Manning is based in Chicago, the food collection sites are all over the United States.

What if I want to give more than the bag holds?

That's great. The bag can transport food, but ultimately use any container you choose to take the food to a drop location.

If I give the equivalent of 10 bags, should I enter my bag number 10 times?

While we encourage you to donate as much food as possible, the concept with the ID numbers is to track each individual that contributes. We want to involve as many people as possible. Not everyone can afford to give a lot right now, so we want everyone to know that their donation is appreciated whether large or small.

How many pounds does the bag hold?

Each bag holds approximately 20 lbs. However, use whatever containers make it easiest and safest for you to transport your donation.

Are there other resources for learning more about hunger?

Although not affiliated with this effort, the non-profit organization Feeding America is a great resource for information about hunger in the United States and for local resources as well. You can find them at www.feedingamerica.org.

Who is behind this effort?

Manning Productions is the company that started this philanthropic campaign. To learn more about how ThisBagFightsHunger got started go to the About page.