How to Support People Who Need Food

Right now, the need is much greater. SNAP funding is uncertain and federal workers are unpaid. SNAP helps 1 in 8 Americans.

Food banks can’t fill this gap alone. Below are some of the many ways you can support people facing food insecurity.

On This Page:

Donate Money

When you donate money instead of food, organizations can buy in bulk at wholesale prices. This way your donation helps more people.

Donate Food

If you want to donate food, make sure to contact the organization first to see what they need. Other places where you can donate food:

Volunteer Your Time

Many food banks, pantries, and kitchens need volunteers. You can help by preparing food, helping at distribution sites, and delivering food. 

Help Others Get Involved

Many people want to help but don’t know how. By organizing something, you’re helping people get involved and supporting the organization. Make sure to contact your local food bank to see what they need most before you get started.

Ideas to Get You Started

  • Have a party where each person donates to attend
  • Set a fundraising or food drive goal and track your team’s progress
  • Host a bake sale or hot chocolate stand and donate proceeds
  • Coordinate a volunteer day and have dinner together afterwards

Support Your Community

Little Free Pantries

Mini pantries are small outdoor cabinets where people can leave food and others can take what they need. Just like mini libraries but for food.

Be a Grocery Buddy

Help someone who needs groceries by shopping for them, going with them, or providing a gift card.

Some ways to find a grocery buddy:

  • Search your city/town and “grocery buddy.” Some organizations are pairing people or there may already be social media groups.
  • Post in your community group online or at a local organization that you’re willing to be a grocery buddy.
  • You may already know someone facing food insecurity. You can post on your private social media, send a group email, or group text that you want to help.

Support Your Local School

Whether or not you have kids, you can contact a nearby school and ask if you can drop off extra snacks for children who need them.

Let us know if we should add another resource or if you have problems with any of the links. We want to make it easy for people to help.

We list these resources to help you find ways to support people who need food. We don’t receive payment from any of these organizations. We checked each website but can’t guarantee the availability or quality of services. If you have problems with any resource, please let us know.

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