How to support local food banks and pantries

The most basic human right is to live, and that is more difficult for some people than other people may realize. Many people are unaware of the level of food insecurity that exists in our own communities, often in their own neighbors’ home. Food banks and pantries work tirelessly to help those struggling with hunger, but they cannot do it alone. As citizens who care about our neighbors and want to decrease the burden on limited government resources, there are many ways we can support this cause.

Cash donations are one of the most effective ways to help, allowing food banks to purchase large quantities of food at deeply discounted rates through their wholesale partnerships. Even a small cash donation can go a long way in providing meals. Consider collecting all the change from your own grocery shopping and donating that change a few times a month. You could also organize a fundraising drive at your workplace, school, house or worship, or community group.

Food donations are an obvious benefit. Common non-perishable items like canned vegetables and fruits, soups, pasta, rice, and cereal are always needed. You can always call your local pantry to ask about their most needed items. You could even host a food drive at home by asking neighbors to leave donated items on your porch on a designated day for pickup. Children enjoy getting involved in such service projects too.

Many food banks also rely on volunteers to help sort donations, pack food boxes, assist clients, and more. Check their websites for volunteer sign-up opportunities. Even just a few hours of your time each month can free up paid staff for other important duties. It is a wonderful way to support an organization with your spare time when you don’t have spare change.

Advocating for policies that support nutrition programs is another way to create impact. Contact your elected officials to voice support for adequate funding of food stamps (SNAP benefits), school meal programs, WIC, and other nutrition assistance that helps food banks stretch their dollars further.

Don’t be afraid to let the creative juices flow and produce your own way to raise awareness and funds. Plan a bake sale, car wash, yard sale, or other small event. Music or art shows where admission is a donation of non-perishable food items can be fun for participants while also collecting much-needed supplies. Schools, places of worship, and other groups have found success with penny wars where students compete to raise the most change. What about a boxcar derby where everybody decorates their boxcar as a cereal box? Fun, food, and fundraising, oh my!

Consider, too, donating fresh fruits and vegetables you grow in your garden or greenhouse to help people who do not have access to the same. These fresh foods are a treat to people whose primary diet is shelf-stable foods. Baking a loaf of bread and donating that to your local pantry to give to a family in need. Noticing when your pantry foods are about to expire and offer them up to a pantry or neighbor who would use it right away rather than it going to waste in your pantry.

No matter your skills or time commitment, you can support neighbors facing hunger. Even the smallest acts of kindness, when joined with others, can make a tremendous difference for a family struggling to put food on the table. Martin Luther King Day’s Day of Service is right around the corner; consider supporting, sponsoring, or volunteering for your local food bank or food pantry.

For people looking for a food bank or food pantry to donate to or to find food, the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation provides a list on their website at https://www.ahfc.us/blog/posts/food-assistance-programs-alaskans.

Christian M. Hartley is a 40-year Alaskan resident with over 25 years of public safety experience and public service. He runs a freelance business, Big Lake Writer, from home in Big Lake that he shares with his wife of 19 years and their three teenage sons.