For the second year in a row, our family hosted a neighborhood food drive – and you can too!
Why host a food drive? According to our local food bank, summer is a time of high demand since children are out of school and not getting the two meals they normally would at school.
“In 2019, the overall food insecurity rate was the lowest it had been in more than twenty years,” according to Feeding America, Today, however, many families are still feeling the effects of the COVID pandemic. In fact. Feeding America estimates that because of the effects of the coronavirus pandemic more than 42 million people may experience food insecurity, including a potential 13 million children.
There are an estimated 17 million children struggling with hunger in America – 6 million more than before the pandemic. And 2.7 million more families are going hungry, according to Save the Children.
There are an estimated 17 million children struggling with hunger in America – 6 million more than before the pandemic.
This article from Real Simple notes that food donations usually drop off in April, although the demand does not.
Maybe it’s time we all take a good look at our pantry after stocking up last year. I bet there are at least a few items that you or your family won’t miss and could benefit others.
If you have questions about WHAT is best to donate, Feeding America has some good guidelines.
My family and I weathered the pandemic fairly easily, and I am well aware we have a lot to be grateful for. A food drive is an easy way to share what we can and also gives others an opportunity to contribute.
How to host a food drive:
- Pick a local food bank and set a goal. Maybe a certain number of pounds of food? Does their website give any indication of needs?
- Communicate to your neighbors that you are hosting a food drive and invite them to contribute. Use Facebook, text and/or email to get the word out. I ask my neighbors to leave any donations on my porch at their convenience.
- When you shop for your own groceries, pick up a few items for the food bank.
- Take donations to the food bank. I go once or twice in the course of a month-long food drive.
