Donate to Local Food Banks
One of the most direct ways to make a difference is by donating non-perishable food items to local food banks and pantries. Items such as canned goods, pasta, rice, and boxed meals are always in demand. Many food banks also accept fresh produce, dairy, and meat, so check with your local organization to see what they need most. Late fall is a great time to consider donating to food banks because the holiday season brings an increase in food bank use, as families face additional financial pressures. Donating in the fall helps food banks prepare for this surge in demand. You may also consider donating on a regular schedule (monthly, quarterly) rather than just once a year. This helps food banks maintain a consistent supply of food throughout the year.
Volunteer Your Time
Volunteers are the backbone of food distribution efforts. You can help by sorting and packing food, distributing meals, or even assisting with administrative tasks. Many food banks and meal programs rely heavily on volunteers to keep their operations running smoothly. Many of our teams coordinate food and meal packing events with local food banks which is a great way to layer in teambuilding activities into your Social Purpose efforts.
Support Meal Programs
Community meal programs, such as soup kitchens and mobile meal services, provide hot meals to those in need. You can support these programs by volunteering to prepare or serve food or, if time is tight, consider making a financial donation to help fund these essential services. One organization worth considering is Lasagna Love. Volunteer “chefs” can sign up to prepare and deliver meals to families in need. This is a very flexible volunteer opportunity. When you sign up to help, you can set your location preferences and how often you wish to cook. Lasagnalove.org
Organize a Food Drive
Consider organizing a food drive at your workplace, school, or place of worship. Rallying your community to contribute can result in a substantial donation to a local food bank or pantry, providing much-needed resources for families facing food insecurity. We have a helpful toolkit to get you started! https://purpose.firstservice.com/social_purpose_toolkits/how-to-host-a-donation-drive/
Advocate for Change
Beyond direct action, advocating for policies that address the root causes of food insecurity is crucial. Support local and national initiatives that work to increase access to affordable, nutritious food, and raise awareness about the issue within your community.
Every Contribution Counts
No matter how you choose to help, your efforts can make a significant impact on those struggling with food insecurity. Whether you’re donating food, giving your time, or advocating for change, you’re playing a vital role in ensuring that everyone in our community has access to the nourishment they need. Together, we can help fight hunger and build a stronger, more resilient community.
Here are 10 nonprofits dedicated to fighting food insecurity that are often in need of volunteers:
Feeding America
Description: The largest hunger-relief organization in the U.S., Feeding America supports a network of food banks and meal programs across the country.
Volunteer Opportunities: Sorting and packing food, assisting with distribution, and helping at local food banks.
Website: feedingamerica.org
Meals on Wheels
Description: Delivers nutritious meals to homebound seniors, helping them maintain their independence and health.
Volunteer Opportunities: Meal delivery, meal preparation, and companionship visits.
Website: mealsonwheelsamerica.org
No Kid Hungry
Description: Focuses on ending childhood hunger in the U.S. by ensuring all children get the healthy food they need.
Volunteer Opportunities: Community outreach, fundraising events, and advocacy.
Website: nokidhungry.org
The Salvation Army
Description: Offers a variety of services including food assistance through food pantries, soup kitchens, and emergency food programs.
Volunteer Opportunities: Serving meals, organizing food drives, and working in food pantries.
Website: salvationarmyusa.org
Second Harvest Food Bank
Description: A network of food banks serving various regions in the U.S., providing food to those in need.
Volunteer Opportunities: Sorting and packing food, distributing food at mobile pantries, and helping with special events.
Website: shfb.org
Share Our Strength
Description: This organization runs the No Kid Hungry campaign and works to end hunger and poverty in the U.S.
Volunteer Opportunities: Organizing community fundraising events, advocacy, and education.
Website: strength.org
Food Rescue US
Description: Rescues excess food from restaurants, grocers, and other sources and delivers it directly to agencies serving the food insecure.
Volunteer Opportunities: Food rescues (picking up and delivering food), event coordination, and local outreach.
Website: foodrescue.us
City Harvest
Description: A New York City-based organization that rescues surplus food and delivers it to community food programs.
Volunteer Opportunities: Food rescues, sorting and packing, nutrition education, and mobile market assistance.
Website: cityharvest.org
Bread for the World
Description: A collective Christian voice urging decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad.
Volunteer Opportunities: Advocacy, letter writing campaigns, and organizing community events.
Website: bread.org
World Central Kitchen
Description: Founded by Chef José Andrés, this organization provides meals in response to crises and advocates for hunger relief.
Volunteer Opportunities: Food preparation and distribution during disaster responses, fundraising, and advocacy.
Website: wck.org
These organizations rely heavily on volunteers to carry out their missions, so your time and effort can make a substantial impact in the fight against food insecurity.
