Did you know that you can make a difference in your community? Even though Global Hunger can feel like an overwhelming issue in our society there are a few simple things that can make a huge difference. Here are a just a few ideas of how you can help reduce hunger in your community.
VOLUNTEER AT A LOCAL FOOD BANK, PANTRY, SHELTER, AND/OR COMMUNITY KITCHEN
“Food banks need help every day, not just on the holidays. Many kids start out in service by volunteering at a food bank, and see firsthand the power of their service.
For example, students in a New York City project called Neighbors Feeding Neighbors volunteered at their local food pantry. They fed 100 people and packed more than 200 boxes daily. They highlighted their activity by putting pictures on their blog and encouraging others to volunteer. They even sent notes to the local council member and asked for continued support of the kitchen.
Project Ideas: Get a group of friends, classmates, or neighbors to volunteer. While food banks and pantries need volunteers every day of the year, think about doing more than the “usual” volunteer jobs. Ask the food bank or pantry what they would want done if you could bring a lot of extra volunteers for one day that they don’t usually have the capacity to do. Or, set up an ongoing volunteer program, and get other kids to sign up to volunteer over the summer.” [i]
KNOW THE BEST CANNED FOODS TO DONATE
“When donating food, know which foods are the most nourishing and non-perishable. Food pantries appreciate canned foods such as:
· canned tuna or salmon
· canned chicken
· canned beef
· peanut butter
· canned beans
· canned fruits and vegetables that contain no added salt or sugar” [ii]
DELIVER A MEAL ON YOUR LUNCH BREAK
“Meals on Wheels can always use volunteers, particularly during the holidays, when regular volunteers may be unavailable. One easy way to do this is to donate your lunch break time, using it to pop by a home-bound senior’s home with a meal and quick hello. Have more time to give? Great! Local programs (each operates independently) need people to help prepare and pack meals in a kitchen, deliver meals via their own cars, make phone calls to check on seniors, serve special holidays meals at sites like senior centers, and assist with office and administrative tasks.” [iii]
[i] WNHAM, Youth Service America, accessed 21 March 2019, < https://ysa.org/10waystoendhunger/>
[ii] Clancy Harrison, Real Mom Nutrition, accessed 21 March 2019, < https://www.realmomnutrition.com/how-to-fight-hunger/>
[iii] Tracy Saelinger, Today, accessed 21 March 2019, < https://www.today.com/food/10-easy-ways-you-can-help-hungry-holiday-season-t105020>