The City of Irvine, in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank, will host “Irvine Has Heart,” a community food drive, from February 12 through March 31 to help families and seniors in need. The goal of the drive is to collect 3,500 pounds of canned food items.

Although no items will be turned away, healthy options such as the following are preferred:

• Canned fruit (water packed)
• Canned or boxed soup (low sodium)
• Canned vegetables (low sodium)
• Canned meats and fish (water packed)
• Brown or white rice
• Whole grain cereal (low sugar)
• Dried or canned beans (low sodium)
• Natural nut and seed butters
• Whole grain pasta
• Raw nuts and dried fruit

Collection barrels will be available at various City facilities, libraries and faith-based organizations, including the Irvine Civic Center and Irvine Police Department, located at 1 Civic Center Plaza, Irvine, from 8 a.m. to
5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Donations will benefit several local food pantry distribution programs. Click here for a complete list of drop-off locations. For additional program information, call 949-724-6680.