Holiday Giving Guide: Ways to Support Your Local Food Bank
The holidays are a time for celebration, gratitude, and giving, yet for many families facing food insecurity, it can be a period of stress and additional financial burden. With over 132,240 individuals facing food insecurity in our communities, supporting your local Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore during the holidays can make a significant difference. This blog will explore how to help food banks by gifting your time, money, and resources to combat the hunger crisis in our area this holiday season.
Food Insecurity and the Holidays
Families facing food insecurity need the opportunity to enjoy holiday meals. Access to a shared meal can provide comfort and a sense of normalcy during a time that might otherwise be filled with hardship and uncertainty. In 2023, the American Farm Bureau Federation reported the average cost for a classic Thanksgiving feast feeding 10 people was $61.17, which was 25 percent higher than in 2019.
By participating in these initiatives, you can learn how to help food banks like the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore and make a meaningful contribution to our community.
Volunteer: Give Time, Give Hope
One of the most impactful ways to support the Foodbank is by volunteering your time. Whether it’s sorting food, helping with distributions, or providing administrative support, every bit of assistance counts.
Volunteering offers a unique opportunity to see firsthand the difference you can make. Become a part of our volunteer force of over 6,000 peers and join us in the collective effort to eliminate hunger.
Every Item Counts
Donating food and other items is also a powerful way to help. Essential items like lean canned proteins, whole grains, and personal hygiene products are always in demand. Take a look through your pantries and medicine cabinets and donate any extra unused, unexpired items you can spare, or add additional items to your next shopping list.
Participating in the Mayflower Marathon from November 22-24, 2024 is a great way to get involved. Simply drop off your goods at one of two designated locations. Help us beat our 2023 Mayflower Marathon milestone of providing more than 756,000 meals.
Holiday Food Drive Ideas
Be a local hunger hero by hosting your own food drive. Hosting a food drive is an excellent way to rally your neighbors, family, friends, or colleagues around giving back this season. Use the Foodbank’s Food Drive resources for tips on hosting your own food drive, or get creative and brainstorm your own holiday food drive ideas! Start by hosting your food drive around holiday gatherings.
Share: The Power of Social Media
Amplify your impact by sharing your support or promoting the Foodbank on social media. Promote your own holiday food drive ideas, and encourage friends and family to join you by posting about your involvement with the Foodbank.
Follow the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore on social media and be sure to tag us! Don’t forget to use eye-catching images and relevant hashtags with your posts and stories.
Donate Money for Food
Monetary donations are critical to the Foodbank’s operations, allowing us to fund programs, purchase fresh foods, and distribute meals to families in need. You can choose to donate money for food as a one-time gift or set up a recurring donation to help nourish our community.
This giving season, we also encourage you to donate money for food to the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore on Giving Tuesday, a global day dedicated to generosity and giving back. Save the date to support the Foodbank on Giving Tuesday, December 3, 2024.
Support the Foodbank this Holiday Season
The holiday season is a time to come together and ensure everyone can enjoy the warmth and joy this time of year brings. By supporting the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, you can help provide much-needed nourishment to those facing food insecurity. Choose at least one way to contribute, whether it’s volunteering, donating food, hosting a food drive, being active on social media, or through financial contributions. Your support can fill plates and hearts with hope and joy this holiday season.