During this time of holiday planning, there are many ways for home cooks and foodies to give back. Want to help but don’t know where to start? Check out the articles below for inspiration and ideas on different ways to give back in your community. We also want to hear from our readers. If you have a favorite way to donate or have experience with organizations in your community, we want to hear about your stories in the comments.
The gift of giving is so important and we hope these food stories will inspire you to connect with your own community.
Food Inspiration
Give Goods
Typically a food bank helps people who are dependent on food, but in a small town, a pantry is geared towards getting people back on their feet. Delta Datsis has been volunteering for the Helpful Samaritan Food Pantry in Mississippi for over 15 years and has many points of advice for starting a local food drive. Continue Your Inspiration
Give Time
You don’t have to give money or goods. You can donate your lunch break! For example, Meals on Wheels is a nationwide network of community-based, non-profit programs dedicated to providing seniors with nutritious meals and much-needed human connection that comes with each delivery. Continue Your Inspiration
Give Knowledge
Your knowledge and enthusiasm of healthy foods should be spread to every community. Martha’s Table has created a program to increase access to and encourage consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. You can help conquer hunger by using your brain power! Continue Your Inspiration
Give Funds
It’s easy to forget that if you have little time or can’t muster the energy to volunteer for an afternoon, a monetary donation to a food bank or organization goes a long way. Continue Your Inspiration
Share Your Story
Now it’s your turn! Tell us about your volunteer stories in the comments below. Do you have a family tradition of packing food or do you make a pot of soup and deliver it to a local shelter? Can you recommend a group in your community?
We want to hear about it.
(Note: PBS encourages readers to do research before committing support to any organization suggested here or found elsewhere. Do your homework to make sure your time, energy and money makes a difference.)