5 Ways To Help Struggling Food Pantries During COVID-19
Start writing a post
News

5 Ways To Help Struggling Food Pantries During COVID-19

Now, more than ever, food pantries need your help.

Kaitlyn Stivers
Jun 09, 2020
Villanova University
21
49916461297_c99ce01840_b.jpg
Google Images Labeled for Reuse

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented the world with a multitude of unprecedented problems. One of the most pressing issues has been the increased need for food pantry resources. Whether families unexpectedly lost their source of income or those who were previously struggling continue to have a lack of resources, there is an increased demand for food pantry services. Unfortunately, with the social distancing and lockdown measures that have been enforced as a result of COVID-19, many food pantries were unable to function in their normal capacities or unable to function at all. Now, more than ever, food pantries and soup kitchens need your help. Below I have listed 5 easy ways you can help your local food pantry and all of the people who depend on its' resources.

1. Host a food drive 

This is a great contactless way to help out. Note that many food pantries are now looking to provide healthy options. Consider asking people to donate cans of white tuna, peanut butter, squeezable apple sauce, canned vegetables and fruits, assorted nuts, beans, granola bars, whole grain crackers, and brown rice.

2. Host a toiletry drive

Toiletries are always accepted by food pantries and are often always on their list of needed inventory. Products such as feminine hygiene products, baby diapers, or hand sanitizer can make a huge difference in the lives of many families and individuals. Consider asking for items such as, but not limited to: hand sanitizer, baby diapers and wipes, feminine hygiene products, toilet paper, paper towels, toothbrushes and toothpaste, and home cleaning supplies.

3. Volunteer 

During the current pandemic, many food pantries and soup kitchens have been short on volunteers. If you are willing and able, consider volunteering at a local pantry. They have many volunteer opportunities that do not involve coming in contact with others such as shelf stocking and inventory logging. Anything helps!

4. Make meals at home

Some food pantries or relief organizations accept premade meals that are constructed following a set of predetermined guidelines. This can be a great way for you to get involved and do your part to help out. Reach out to your local pantry and ask if they will accept brown bagged lunches or homemade sandwiches.

5. Make a monetary donation 

Please consider donating to your local food pantry during this difficult time. You can also consider donating to larger funds such as the Feeding America COVID-19 Response Fund.

Related Articles Around the Web
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

Siena College
14093
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
small towns
Relationships

Grateful Beyond Words: A Letter to My Inspiration

I have never been so thankful to know you.

University of New Haven
291470
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Smith College
89060
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
waitlisted
Swoon

Navigating the Talking Stage: 21 Essential Questions to Ask for Connection

It's mandatory to have these conversations.

National Writers Society
151554
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
single life
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

Marist College
58824
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Trending Topics

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments