If you’ve kept up with Food for Others for some time, you may remember the sharp increase in need for food assistance last fall. With the government shutdown and widespread job losses, more of our neighbors turned to food banks and pantries for support. Almost overnight, food banks across our area were called on to meet an overwhelming level of need. 

Since then, the challenges facing our neighbors have continued. From high grocery prices to rising housing costs, making ends meet remains difficult for many families. What we once hoped would be a temporary surge has instead marked the beginning of a level of need that Food for Others has never experienced before. 

Finding ourselves in a similar position one year later has given us a chance to reflect. As the holidays quickly approach, planning for My Market, the P3 Program, and our Mobile and Neighborhood sites has highlighted not only the consistent need across our community, but also how grateful we are for the people who continue to step up alongside us. 

Our fight against hunger has never been done alone. Whether you’ve supported us for years or are new to the Food for Others community, there are many ways to make a difference. Here’s a quick refresher on how you can help support, feed, and nourish our neighbors this season and beyond. 

1. Donate 

Our new End of Year Giving page is now up and running! Check out our holiday themed page and see how your donations will make an impact. You can even become a recurring monthly donation by joining our Full Plate Society! 

2. Give Food

We’ve recently released an updated food donation list for P3 and My Market! With these new items on our list, we’re better able to serve our clients and ensure they receive nutritious foods they can use in several ways. Please view our individual lists below and begin planning your next food drive or grocery trip!

3. Volunteer

The holidays can create a major rush in operations and programs. To help make sure our produce and nonperishable items go out in time, consider volunteering at our warehouse, My Market, or in our P3 warehouse.

4. Get online

We’re looking forward to a busy time on social media filled with information on hunger in our area, how our community has joined the fight, and more fun content over the holidays. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to keep up with our weekly activities.