Spirit of Giving: Turning Holiday Generosity into Year-Round Support

The holidays are known as a time for giving. We exchange gifts and share meals with family, knowing the season is about more than just receiving. However, once the decorations come down and the holiday music fades, food insecurity is still a reality for many families. Can the generosity of the holiday season inspire ongoing support for those in need throughout the year? 

At the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, we’ve seen the power of giving during the holidays. In 2024, our annual Mayflower Marathon collected food to provide 914,000 meals to families in Hampton Roads. With over 132,240 people in our service area projected to be food insecure, the need for consistent support throughout the year is greater than ever.

In this blog, we’ll explore why giving to people all year round is crucial, how it benefits the community, and ways you can extend the spirit of giving with food pantry drop-offs after the holiday season. 

The Reality After the Holidays 

Why does hunger spike after the holidays? While the holiday season brings an influx of donations and food drives, the following months often see a sharp decline in people donating food to charity. For families who rely on food pantries and other support, this drop can mean fewer meals on the table.

Other factors, like rising healthcare costs and unexpected expenses, can make people and families more vulnerable, making hunger worse after the holidays. Seasonal employment ends for many people, leaving households with reduced income. The colder months can also mean higher utility bills, stretching already tight budgets even further.

Why Year-Round Support Truly Matters 

Here’s why year-round support for vulnerable individuals and families is important:

• Consistent Resources: Families and individuals rely on steady access to food to avoid the stress of wondering where their next meal will come from. Donating food to charity throughout the year ensures food is available whenever it is needed most. 
• Staying Healthy: At the Foodbank, we distribute health-conscious items such as fresh produce, that provide better nutrition than processed alternatives. Steady foodbank donations ensure families receive these nutritious options year-round.
• Building Stronger Communities: Year-round support for vulnerable individuals and families helps create stronger, more resilient communities. With access to consistent resources and support, individuals and families are better equipped to overcome challenges and thrive.

How You Can Help Beyond the Holidays 

Through our partner agencies and programs, the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore remain committed to providing meals and support every day, not just during the holidays. But we also need your help! Here are some impactful ways to keep the spirit of giving alive throughout the year. 

• Donate Food to Charity: Giving food to people in need can make a direct, immediate impact. Food pantry drop-offs are always welcome, and specific items are in high demand, like non-perishable proteins (canned tuna, peanut butter), whole grains, and fresh produce. 
• Donate Money for Food: Did you know you can donate money for food to help fight food insecurity? Monetary donations offer flexibility by allowing the Foodbank to address specific needs and purchase items in bulk. Every $1 donated helps provide approximately two meals for those in need. Consider setting up a recurring donation to make an ongoing impact throughout the year. 

Get Involved in Other Ways 

If you’re unable to donate food or money, there are still plenty of ways to support the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore all year long. 

• Volunteer: Help sort donations, and distribute food. Your time is invaluable to our efforts to end food insecurity. 
• Advocate: Share the importance of combatting food insecurity with your friends, family, and social networks.
• Organize a Food Drive: Gather your community, school, or workplace to host a food drive during non-holiday months when shelves are often bare.

A world where no family has to choose between buying groceries and paying rent is possible when giving becomes a habit, not just a holiday tradition. The Foodbank invites you to keep the spirit of giving alive year-round. Whether through foodbank donations, volunteering, or simply starting a conversation about food insecurity, your actions can help create a stronger, healthier community for all.

Take the next step and donate to food banks, sign up for volunteer opportunities, or learn more about how you can be an advocate for change. Together, we can turn holiday generosity into a lasting legacy of hope.