As unemployment benefits run out for millions of Americans, food banks across the nation are preparing to see more and more families and individuals turning to them for help.
To lend a hand, Americans can get involved with their local food bank to support and enhance these resources which are so vital to struggling, unemployed and hungry members of the community.
You can find your nearest food bank through the Feeding America website. Feeding America is a nation's largest hunger relief organization, connecting community food pantries in every state.
Contact your local Feeding America affiliate -- or any other local soup kitchen, food bank or shelter that you trust -- to find out what they need.
Depending on the specific needs of your community, you can help out in the following ways.
How To Help:
- Drop off food items at your food bank. Most pantries will always accept extra nonperishable items such as canned foods and dried pastas at any time -- but call ahead to be sure!
According to their wesbite, Feeding America advises donors that monetary contributions are especially helpful:
The best way to support hunger-relief in your community is by making a financial donation to your local food bank, and encouraging your friends to do the same. Your local Feeding America member can then utilize the buying power of the Feeding America network to acquire and ship healthy, nutritious food at deeply discounted rates.
Individuals can make a donation online to support Feeding America.