Andrea Mitchell: Red Cross doesn't really want the stuff Romney collected because

[Cal Carpenter]

16. Food drives can make sense for local groups

who provide ongoing food assistance or for local emergencies.

Like you say, it is easier and cheaper for people who want to help to just grab a few things from the pantry. There is also the tangible, hands-on aspect of it that appeals to the donor, especially if there are kids involved.

Sure, the organizations can make better use of money than unpredictable donations (that tend to be heavy on certain items but short on vital staples), but a mix of money and food donations can balance out pretty good.

But, particularly in major, widespread disasters like this it is sort of absurd to think that some boxes of mixed foods collected in Ohio are a logical or efficient use of resources. Something like this requires major coordination. Perhaps a well organized food drive with a specific list of required items so that hundreds of identical boxes can be packed with foods that are both nutritionally balanced and appropriate for the situation (eg ready-to-eat canned stews vs raw ramen) would make sense.

But this half-assed food drive is a joke and it is ridiculous that no one from his campaign team actually vetted this idea and made sure it was appropriate help.

As someone who has worked extensively with food banks and soup kitchens I can't help but rant about this topic, LOL.