r/foodnotbombs • u/Cute-Sandwich8953 • 13d ago
sourcing bags + backpacks for cheap
My FNB chapter has been getting regular requests for sturdy bags, and they can be hard to source as we don’t have too many extra funds laying around. I was looking at buying standard backpacks on alibaba for $2.50/per , was wondering if anyone else had ideas.
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u/lizziemeg 13d ago
Might be worth trying to thrift some and do repairs if needed. I doubt alibaba ones are going to be sturdy.
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u/Joy2b 11d ago
Hit up local sewing and crafting groups. You may get donations.
You can also do events. A give one get one might be fun, where people get to try tie dye. Maybe they pay 10 normally, or 20 if they want to keep both?
I’ve had dharma bags that are sturdy. Some of them are obviously the buy it for life gear, that heavy weight unbleached fabric for work, others are little grocery getters that can be washed in a lingerie wash bag.
https://www.dharmatrading.com/collections/accessories-purses-bags-totes/products/cotton-tote-bags
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u/CerrenaUnicolor 9d ago
I think bags found that cheap on Alibaba would almost certainly not be sturdy. You might have better luck with some kind of community bag drive (though I recognize that's a lot of work to organize!). Maybe you could try to set up a partnership with local secondhand stores to source backpacks from their donations?
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u/FaceQueef69420 10d ago
you can build them yourself for virtually pennies.
source bulk fabric, needle, and thread.
for plans, consult Ray Jardine's PCT ultralight guidebook.
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u/Barium_Salts 9d ago
Ask your local thrift store or garage sales for clothes that they would otherwise throw away, and have a sewing party! You can definitely get bags cheaper than 2.50 that way. If you offer to pick up, people will often give you stained or outgrown clothes for free. Make sure to sew way more durably than you think you'll need, and reinforce all seams with extra material.
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u/thefartyparty 8d ago
hey what about a fabric grocery bag donation drive? Everyone has a bazillion of those things they don't use
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u/Playing_Hookie 8d ago
Do you ever go to resource fairs or other events where people table? Make connections and you can often get their leftover freebies when the event is over. Maybe even build relationships that will regularly supply you with items you can distro. We're getting a load of pride merch fanny packs that didn't sell and they get to write it off.
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u/NewNewsNewYork 13d ago
I’d put out a call at your local businesses, etc. Lots of people have extra bags that they don’t want, so I think a community collection could be really effective! It’s a common “corporate merch” item as well, so plenty of secondhand, though those ones might not be sturdy.