FAQ
Q: Where are you located?
A: Most of our events take place at:
P.A.C.K. 4 Mall Terrace, Savannah, Ga. 31406
Q: When do packing events take place?
A: There is a monthly packing party that takes place on the first Sunday of each month (September-May) from 2:00-3:00. All ages are welcome and no rsvp is needed. We also have community volunteer days each Monday and Thursday from 10-12. Everyone is welcome to come and help! No rsvp is needed for individual volunteers. If you are bringing a group, please email so we can check the group calendar. Groups are welcome and we do our best to accommodate all of them.
Q: What should I expect at a packing event?
A: Packing is done is simple assembly lines. It is very child and family-friendly and all ages are welcome. Comfortable shoes and clothes are best. No experience is needed.
Q: Where does your food come from?
A: Most of our food is purchased by us through a partnership with America's Second Harvest Food Bank. Purchasing through the food bank allows us to purchase large quantities of food for a significantly reduced cost. At certain times, when quantity and selection are limited at the food bank, we purchase food through retail venues. Some of our food also comes from food drives from area churches and civic groups. Food drives are always welcome and helpful!
Q: Who receives food bags and how are they selected?
A: School counselors send notes home with each of the children receiving free or reduced lunch. Parents "opt in" to the program and sign a waiver if they feel that their family suffers from food insecurity and needs assistance. The children receive free or reduced lunch and breakfast at school during the week, but many do not have enough food to sustain them on weekends and holidays. We also provide bags of food to children in after-school programs who meet the same criteria but are unable to receive bags at school.
Q: How do you know the children receive the bags?
A: Every Friday, our volunteers hand out the bags of food at local schools. We serve the same children each week.
Q: Where does your funding come from?
A: We are a 501c 3 non-profit. Our funding comes from private donations from our members, friends, businesses, and families. Donations are always needed and are tax-deductible.
Q: What goes in a bag of food?
A: Bags typically contain 12 items: 2 canned or easy-to prepare meal items (ex. full size mac. and cheese, can of spaghettios), 2 servings of fruit, 1 can of veggies, 1 non-perishable milk, 1 juice, 2 breakfast items, 2 snacks, and a homemade card.
Q: Is there a need for more bags of food?
A: Yes! There are still many schools and children not being served and hundreds of children who are at risk for weekend hunger.
Q: What if I have a group that wants to come and pack bags?
A: If you have a group that would like to commit to packing 200 or more bags of food each month at a time of their choosing (there is an online sign-up calendar), we would love to have you. You do have to go through an orientation process and a background check to host monthly events. This is simply to familiarize you with the process and answer any questions you may have. We happily welcome schools, churches, civic groups, families, and individuals. All are needed and welcome! For one time packing, please attend one of our monthly packing events.
Q: How can I stay current on group happenings?
A: You can find out our latest news by signing up for email updates or by liking our page on Facebook.
Q: Why was pack formed?
A: In 2014, we were unable to find a place to serve the community with our young children. We wanted them to grow up serving others on a consistent basis so it would be a natural part of their lives. Pack was formed to fill this need for our family and others.
Q: How can I contact you?
A: Please email: Malena Stone at packsavannahga@gmail.com.