There are a lot of hungry people out there. Food costs are rising, and a lot of people in other countries don’t have access to the food sources that we have. Even in the United States, there are food deserts – places where there is no easy access to grocery stores – and if people don’t have the transportation, they are often relegated to depending upon convenience stores and otherwise. Because of this, many organizations have been founded with the express intent to help others who are hungry.
Ways to help the cause of hunger include donating unwanted or unneeded non-perishable goods to your local food bank, raising money to give to food banks or organizations, or volunteering time to serve food at your local shelter. Here are some national organizations to get involved with.
Feeding America – This organization was originally called America’s Second Harvest. They help to supply food to the different food pantries across the United States. Feeding America is perhaps one of the most well-known hunger alleviation organizations. They have several programs to fight childhood hunger, help public assistance programs, and provide nutrition information to people. Opportunities for involvement include:
- Tutoring children at a local Kids Cafe
- Repackaging donated food for use at food pantries
- Providing clerical work at the national office
- Transporting food
- Share information about Feeding America on your favorite social networks
- Work as a paid employee of Feeding America
- Research to find whether your local grocery store has a “Shop to end hunger” program
- Partner with the program to help raise money for food
- Take action by writing senators and representatives to advocate for anti-hunger programs
- Donate money
- Purchase from the Feeding America gift catalog
- Participate in food drives
Stop Hunger Now – This organization works to end world hunger. Their vision, as stated on their website is “A world without hunger” and their mission is “To end hunger in our lifetime by providing food and life-saving aid to the world’s most vulnerable and by creating a global commitment to mobilize the necessary resources.” The organization was started in 1998 when its founders first started coordinating food distribution. In 2005, Stop Hunger Now created its meal packaging program. There are several different ways to get involved with Stop Hunger Now:
- Hosting a packaging event where you pack food to be distributed
- Assemble water filters
- Host a dinner party to collect donations
- Donate money online
- Donate items including kitchen utensils and protein containing food
- Donate a car
- Learn how to advocate for the hungry through the RESULTS program
- Share links, Facebook pages, and Twitter accounts for Stop Hunger Now
- Volunteer with the organization
Action Against Hunger – This organization primarily deals with child hunger and malnutrition issues around the world. They also provide communities with clean water and sustainable solutions for the fight against hunger. Their programs run in over 40 countries. You can get involved with Action Against Hunger by:
- Donating money to the organization
- Purchase specific gifts to help
- Support Action Against Hunger on social media
- Partner with the organization
- Race against hunger
- Attend one of the events
- Download this app to donate food to those who need it
- Create your own fundraiser
What are your favorite hunger organizations? What can people do to get involved with them? Post in the comments section.
