Holiday Joy Food Drive

Two Ways To Make An Impact This Season!

In Central Unified, 83.4% of students face socioeconomic challenges, and for many, winter break means more than just time away from school—it means empty cupboards. That’s where Holiday Joy makes a difference. Led by The Foundation for Central Schools, this cherished program provides groceries and essentials for festive meals, ensuring no child goes hungry during the holiday break.

You can help bring Holiday Joy to families in need. Join our two-week food drive, starting December 2, 2024, by donating non-perishable, kid-friendly items or making a monetary contribution. Every donation, big or small, helps fill a pantry and bring comfort to a local family.

Holiday Joy is made possible by the generosity of the Central Schools Well-Being Project (funded by Kaiser Permanente Northern California Community Benefit Programs), Central California Food Bank, Feeding America, and the Central Unified community—parents, staff, and supporters like you.

Together, we can bring nourishment, warmth, and joy to thousands of children this holiday season.

make a donation

Make Your Food Donation Count: Smart Giving Tips

tips provided by

food safety tips

USE BY

The last date recommended for the use of the product while at peak quality. It is not a safety date.

SELL BY

Tells the store how long to display the product for sale for inventory management. It is not a safety date.

BEST IF USED BY

Indicates when a product will be of best flavor or quality. It is not a purchase or safety date.

EXPIRES

Indicates that it is not safe for distribution or consumption (such as medicines, baby food, and baby formula).

Additional Information:

Food manufacturers use different date codes to ensure consumers receive their product at peak quality. Once a product is past its code date, many manufacturers donate it to food banks. Food Bank staff monitors donated food to ensure it remains safe for consumption.
Many canned and boxed products are safe to eat long after the date on the container. The shelf life of refrigerated and frozen foods can also be extended if they are handled properly.
Once a perishable item is frozen, it does not matter if the date expires—foods kept frozen continuously are safe indefinitely, though the quality may slowly deteriorate over time.