TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Food bank or place to donate food on the island?

Hi all,
I'm a long-time reader..first time poster on TTOL. I run a summer program here in St MArtin and the surrounding islands. At the end of each summer, we usually have a fair amount of 'dry' food left over. Mostly things like canned goods (beans, tuna, canned fruit), pasta and rice.
We normally just give it out to whoever wants it here locally (on the french side), but I am wondering if anyone knows of an organization (food bank / school / NGO) that would want this food.

We sometimes also have other items (like first aid kit supplies that are still ok but will expire before next summer) and some clothes/shoes left behind by students. Any ideas or suggestions for a productive way to get rid of these are appreciated.

thanks
motts

I would go to one of the churches on the island and talk to the pastors about this.

SXM??? Wendell

I have taken donations of clothes to the Red Cross on Airport Road. I would think they would probably accept food also.

Barbara or someone else may know the name, but isn't there a women's shelter on the Durch side? Bet they would love the left overs

the women;s shelter is Safe Haven
I am sure they could use some things
http://www.safehavensxm.org/

The Red Cross is good too. Check with them at their offices on Airport Road
I believe the Baptist church in Philipsburg on Cannegieter Street next to KFC and across from the Windward Islands Bank runs a food kitchen. I would check with them too.

Thank you all for your suggestions. I contacted the red cross and they are excited to receive all of our donations. Packing up the truck full of food, first aid supplies and clothes tomorrow!

Salvation Army has a presence on Island I believe.

I know many times at the end of vacation, there is left over food that hasn't been opened, that is just left in the rooms for the next occupants or the maids. Wouldn't it be a nice gesture to drop those foods off at the Red Cross on the way to the airport?

That's a good thought, but unless the food is non perishable, they probably won't accept it...

I have asked the maids at SBR if they are allowed to take food and drinks if we leave them & they are. We just pack up whatever we haven't opened & leave it on the counter. Most of them can certainly use it & are happy to get it.

Likewise and they are always very appreciative. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Yes, we routinely leave lots of things for the maids at Beachside also. I don't know if they use them or not, but we also leave condiments, which are open and partially used.

We do the same everywhere we stay and all open left over liquor, beer and wine goes to island friends.