Many of us are able to gather with loved ones and enjoy the comfort and joy that this time of year brings. But for millions of people around the world, the reality is very different.

Economic fallout from the pandemic is still rippling through our country, and many people find themselves wondering for the first time where their next meal will come from¹.

Unfortunately, food banks are facing a number of challenges as they work to serve vulnerable populations. One major challenge is a decline in donations².

With the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic still being felt, many people are struggling to make ends meet and may not have extra resources to give. This can make it difficult for food banks to keep their shelves stocked and meet the growing demand for assistance³.

These are our friends and our neighbors. They need our help.

So what can we do to help provide food relief to those in need during this holiday season and beyond? Here are 10 ways anyone can make a difference:

9. Donate food

Non-perishable items such as canned goods, grains, and pasta can be donated to food banks or local pantries⁴.

8. Volunteer

Many food banks rely on volunteers to help sort and distribute donations, as well as assist with other tasks⁵.

7. Host a food drive

Organize a food drive in your community to collect donations for a local food bank.

6. Shop at a food bank thrift store

Many food banks operate thrift stores to generate additional funds for their programs⁶. By shopping at these stores, you can support their efforts while also finding great deals.

5. Educate yourself and others

Learn more about food insecurity and the challenges faced by food banks, and share this information with others to raise awareness and encourage action⁷.

4. Advocate for policies that address food insecurity

Contact your elected representatives and ask them to support policies that address hunger and food insecurity⁸.

3. Support local agriculture

Buy products from local farms and farmers markets to support the local economy and ensure that fresh, nutritious food is available to all members of the community⁹.

2. Spread the word

Share information about food insecurity and the work of food banks with your network and encourage others to get involved^10.

1. Donate money

Monetary donations to Greater Good Charities programs allow food banks to purchase the items they need most and ensure that they are able to meet the specific needs of their community¹¹.

Greater Good Charities is currently partnering with The Hunger Site, 12 Tomatoes, and Chris Pratt—and we need YOUR help. Your donations will help in two ways: 50% will support Feeding America® and its programs to address the meal shortage. 50% will be given as cash grants to front-line hunger relief organizations in areas hardest hit by the economic impacts of COVID-19, ensuring they're able to sustain their operations to help those in greatest need.

You can help your neighbors in need into 2023 and beyond.

By taking action, we can all play a role in supporting those in need and working towards a future where everyone has access to the nutritious, healthy food they need to thrive.

Sign the Pledge to Feed Our Neighbors In Need!

More on this issue:

1. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, "Tracking the COVID-19 Economy’s Effects on Food, Housing, and Employment Hardships."
2. McKinsey & Company (16 December 2020), "Challenges and opportunities facing food banks under COVID-19."
3. Mary Yang, NPR (23 December 2022), "Donations to food banks can't keep up with rising costs."
4. Second Harvest of the Greater Valley (26 May 2021), "List of Non Perishable for Food Banks."
5. The Global FoodBanking Network (25 November 2022, "4 Examples That Show Why Volunteers Are Crucial to Food Banks."
6. Paul Morello, Feeding America (29 December 2021), "How food banks and food pantries get their food."
7. Kassandra Martinchek, Urban Institute (4 March 2020), "Three Challenges Facing Food Banks as They Build New Programs to Improve People’s Well-Being."
8. Heather Hartline-Grafton, DrPH, RDa, Sandra G. Hassink, MD, MScb, Academic Pediatrics (21 March 2021), "Food Insecurity and Health: Practices and Policies to Address Food Insecurity among Children."
9. Purdue University (2022), "How Farmers Markets Support Local Agriculture."
10. Proof (13 October 2022), "Food insecurity: A problem of inadequate income, not solved by food."
11. Greater Good Charities, "Feed Thy Neighbor with Chris Pratt."