Local Food Banks Need You Now
When a greater number of people become unemployed, the demand for food assistance increases as well. While many unemployed individuals are able to collect on their unemployment benefits, the allowance is less than what they would have received with their weekly paycheck. As a result, more and more people find their way to the local food bank or pantry to supplement their weekly expenditure on groceries.
Higher Unemployment Equals Fewer Donations
When the economy becomes flat or even begins to fail and the unemployment numbers jump up, fewer people make donations to the local food pantries simply because they no longer have the financial means to do so.
What to Donate to Your Local Food Bank
If you are financially okay, you may want to make a monetary donation that the food banks can use to purchase in-demand items that are running low in their supplies. During harvesting season, most food banks will accept produce, so you may be able to donate vegetables or fruits from your garden that exceed the amount that you can use in a timely fashion. Canned and boxed items that people readily use are also acceptable.
Options that you can consider making it easier to donate to local food banks include donating items:
• Picked up by accident
• From a buy one, get one free purchase
• Discounted because they are from discontinued product lines
• For which you have a coupon, but won’t use yourself
What Types of Food Not to Donate to Your Local Food Bank
It is important to realize that most food banks do not accept items with expired recommended dates for use. Some food banks also prefer not to accept food items that have less than a week’s best when used by dates. If this is your first time donating at your local food bank, you should check to see whether or not your location accepts perishable items.
Donating to Your Local Food Bank Helps Your Neighbors
Whether they live down the road or around the block and over two streets, donating to your local food bank helps your neighbors to provide nutritious meals for their families. It also alleviates some of the stress they may be feeling concerning their strained financial resources. When you donate, you are making a positive difference and being part of the solution rather than part of the problem.
Pulling together, the community can make a big difference in the lives of struggling residents who simply do not have enough money to make ends meet. You can be part of that difference, acting as a catalyst that brings about changes in the level of donations received at the food pantries.
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