We spend a lot of time talking about what our trucks can carry.
Tools. Equipment. Building materials. Landscaping supplies. Basically, if there is a job to be done, we can probably find a truck for it.
But this September, we want to fill one with something a little different.
All-State Ford is partnering with South Louisville Community Ministries for a community food drive, and our goal is pretty simple: fill an entire KUV with food, baby essentials, personal-care products, and household supplies for our South Louisville neighbors.
We’re collecting donations now through September 30, and anyone can participate. You don’t have to be an All-State Ford customer. You don’t have to bring an entire cart full of groceries. You can stop by with a few cans, a package of diapers, a bottle of laundry detergent—or whatever you’re able to give.
Because when enough people bring “just a few things,” those few things can fill a truck surprisingly fast.
First, Who Is SLCM?
If you’re not already familiar with South Louisville Community Ministries, they’re a local nonprofit helping neighbors who are experiencing a crisis.
And that help can look different for every household.
Sometimes it means providing groceries when a family’s budget simply will not stretch until the next paycheck. Sometimes it’s diapers, formula, toilet paper, or laundry detergent. SLCM also helps connect people with utility assistance, housing support, resources for seniors, and other programs that can help make a difficult situation a little more manageable.
One thing we especially appreciate about SLCM is its choice pantry. Instead of handing every household the same predetermined box, the pantry allows neighbors to select food, fresh produce, personal-care items, and household products based on what their families actually need.
It’s practical, it’s personal, and it gives people the dignity of making their own choices.
That’s the kind of work we’re proud to support.
Okay, So What Should You Bring?
The short answer? Food, baby items, toiletries, and everyday household necessities.
The slightly longer answer is that SLCM has a pretty broad wish list, so you have plenty of options at nearly every price point.
Some of the highest-need food items right now include:
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Canned tuna
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Mac and cheese
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Canned vegetables
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Peanut butter and jelly
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Canned fruit
They can also use canned soup, cereal, pasta, tomato sauce, rice, crackers, canned meat products, beans, fruit juice, baking mixes, canned or dried potatoes, flour, sugar, and salt.
Basically, think about the shelf-stable products most of us keep in our own kitchens—the simple things you reach for when you need to put together a quick breakfast, pack a lunch, or get dinner on the table.
And this isn’t only a food drive.
We’re also collecting diapers in all sizes, baby wipes, formula, baby food, toilet paper, paper towels, shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, feminine-hygiene products, deodorant, lotion, laundry detergent, and household cleaning supplies.
SLCM can even use reusable grocery bags, plastic grocery bags for packing food, TARC bus passes, and $10 Kroger or Save A Lot gift cards for purchases such as milk and eggs.
So if canned vegetables aren’t really speaking to you, grab a pack of diapers. If you don’t know the first thing about buying formula, pick up some toothpaste or laundry detergent. There are a lot of ways to help.
We just ask that all donated items be new and unopened and that food be nonperishable and within its expiration date.
You Don’t Have to Fill the Truck by Yourself
We know it can feel like one can of food or one package of wipes isn’t enough to make a difference.
But that is quite literally how a food drive works.
One person brings a grocery bag. Someone else drops off a case of soup. A local business collects donations from its employees. A family adds a few extra items to its weekly grocery order.
And suddenly, the truck starts filling up.
If you own a business, attend a church, work with a community organization, or simply have coworkers who might want to participate, consider starting a small collection of your own. You can gather everything together and bring it to All-State Ford in one trip.
No donation is too small, and we certainly will not complain if yours is big enough to require a truck of its own.
Can’t Make It to All-State Ford?
You can still help.
South Louisville Community Ministries accepts monetary donations directly through its secure website. Financial contributions allow SLCM to respond to immediate needs, purchase items that may be running low, and continue supporting local families throughout the year.
You can make a direct donation to SLCM here.
You can also help simply by sharing the food drive. Send the information to a friend, share our campaign page on social media, mention it to your coworkers, or forward it to an organization looking for a way to give back locally.
The more people who hear about it, the more care we can pack into that truck.
Let’s Load Up for the Common Good
A can of food, a package of diapers, or a bottle of laundry detergent may not feel like a life-changing donation on its own.
But to a family already trying to decide which bill gets paid this week, having one less necessity to worry about can matter more than we realize.
Every item collected will go to South Louisville Community Ministries to help provide food, household necessities, personal-care items, and a little extra breathing room to our neighbors.
Donations can be dropped off at All-State Ford Truck Sales now through September 30.
All-State Ford Truck Sales
1357 Gardiner Lane
Louisville, KY 40213
(502) 459-0550
Bring one item. Bring a bag. Bring enough to fill the bed of your own truck.
Let’s see what Louisville can do when we load up for the common good.