The Easiest Ways to Help Your Local Food Bank

There are many ways to enhance the value of your dollar while being proactive in relief efforts that fight hunger in your community. We have outlined a few ways for you to be part of the solution.

With the global pandemic happening, there’s more need than ever to donate what you can to those who have been displaced from their jobs or are otherwise facing hardships. A quick Google search can direct you to local food banks or churches in your area with a list of items needed in your community. From donations to brand awareness, we have outlined a few ways for you to be part of the solution.

Donations

There are many traditional options for donating, but first, be sure to contact your local food bank to find out how they’re accepting donations. Some are only accepting cash donations as they maintain social distance to ensure the safety of volunteers and recipients. Money can go a long way right now, especially since many food banks have special relationships with suppliers. This is designed to provide more meals per cost and help more families in need. Other donation options include giving the extra freebies you get from couponing or extra produce from your garden. There are many ways be involved!

Online Support

Many suppliers will “double down” on the purchases you make on select products by donating the dollar equivalent of one meal on behalf of an organization or food bank. When you’re shopping for items to donate to your local food pantry, keep these brands in mind. Some participating suppliers are:

  • Campbell Soup Company
  • General Mills
  • Kellogg Company
  • Kraft Heinz Company
  • PepsiCo

In addition, many credit card companies will donate a meal either per purchase or on purchases from specific suppliers or companies. American Express is committed to matching rewards points up to $1 million to provide meals to those in need. Ask your credit card company how they’re showing support.

Share Through Social Media

Each time you show support online by using a participating company’s hashtag, that company will make a donation toward providing meals to combat hunger in America. Here are just a few participating companies and how to use various social media platforms:

  • Facebook – Every time you show support online by using the hashtag #FightHunger, Walmart will make a donation to Feeding America®.
  • Instagram – For every video uploaded to Instagram Reels dancing to the song “Pa’ Ti” by Jennifer Lopez using the hashtag #YoplaitimeDonation, Yoplait will donate $1 to Feeding America®.
  • Twitter – For each post using hashtags #ForTodaysTable and their local brand, either #GIANT or #MARTINS, The GIANT Company will donate 100 meals to neighbors in need.

Visit feedingamerica.org to discover more ways to make your dollar go further with benefits to shopping at certain places!

Reach Out

By understanding the various options available to you, utilizing credit card rewards, shopping specific brands, and participating in online campaigns, there are many ways to enhance the value of your dollar while being proactive in relief efforts that fight hunger in your community.

Check out this article on TheFrugalGinger.com for her experience and insight on ways you can support your community. However you’re able to help, we applaud everyone’s efforts to assist your fellow citizens in their time of need.