3 Reasons Local Food Banks Need Funds

Food drives: they happen at your office, your child’s classroom, your local church, community centers, and more. With 40 million Americans going hungry, donating boxed or canned foods may seem like the best way to put food on the table for a family in need. But, did you know the best way to support your local food bank is actually through dollar donations?

Here are three reasons why donating funds over food helps more families in need:  

Donated dollars are a more flexible resource for food banks

It takes a lot to operate a food bank. From the trucks are needed to transport food to pantries, to the equipment used to make sure perishable food is stored safely, there are many different steps food banks take to make sure food gets on the tables of families in need. When you donate dollars instead of cans, food banks can get more food to more people. Food banks are also able to expand on programs like nutrition education, research, and even cooking classes!

Donations build stronger communities

Shelf-stable food items are a vital part of our food banks and pantries—but our communities can’t live healthy lives on non-perishable items alone. Feeding people isn’t just about providing food, but about providing wellness, nourishment, and strength. We work to keep our network food banks and pantries stocked with fresh produce, low-fat dairy, and lean proteins. These perishable items can’t be directly donated through food drives but are vital for meeting nutritional needs.

We use funds to combat food waste

Over 72 billion pounds of perfectly good food is wasted every year. By working directly with farmers, we help ensure that healthy fruits and vegetables that don’t make it to the grocery store end up on the plates of families in need instead of a landfill. When you support our food rescue program, not only are you making a contribution to families in need, but to creating a more sustainable world.

Switch up your canned food drive with a creative fundraiser