Join the Fight: Helping Out in Honor of National Food Bank Week

During the third week of October, we celebrate National Food Bank Week to raise awareness on ways you can donate, volunteer and support food banks across the nation. Starting on the 21st and running through the 27th, we want to celebrate the great services that food banks provide. As the fight against hunger rages on, we want to emphasize the importance of food pantries, food banks and local drives that reduce regional hunger crises. Take the time to help out your local food bank by working, volunteering or donating. The fight against hunger depends on all of us, and this week is a great time to start investing in the wellbeing of others in the community.

Donate

When in doubt, there’s always room for donations! With over 200 food banks and thousands of pantries, the main product is always in high demand. Generally, food banks are in need of foods with a long shelf life or nonperishable items — that way, they will last during the journey from your pantry to another’s. Here are some things that food banks would appreciate: Canned items, Pasta, Rice, Peanut Butter, Saltine Crackers

Items that need refrigeration, expired foods, leftovers and baked goods are a few things that food banks advise against donating. Find a distribution center near you to donate today!

Work

There are a ton of career opportunities at local and national food bank organizations, and as the labor force regains it strength after the COVID-19 pandemic, they are more eager to hire than ever. National hunger relief organizations, like Feeding America, Meals on Wheels and the United States Agency for International Development, have openings in communications, finance, government relations and many more. To make a difference in your own community, you can find employment at your local food bank. For food banks that open to the public weekly, they need coordinators and managers to keep things running smoothly. You can secure a job that makes a true difference!

Volunteer

There’s no doubt that college students have things to do and places to be. That’s why volunteering at local food banks may be the best way to fight hunger in the community. With hundreds of food banks located in small towns and sprawling cities, finding a way to volunteer has never been easier.

At the height of the pandemic, mobile pantries, drive-thru banks, no-contact distributions and delivery meals became much more popular. Volunteers are generally asked to help where there is the most need, so reach out to multiple banks to find the spot that is right for you.