Coronavirus is the perfect storm for our neighbors trying to make ends meet
As the pandemic continues, we are committed to ensuring everyone has the food they need during this difficult time. Feeding America is the largest charitable food assistance network working with 200 food banks and 60,000 food partners across the United States. Food bankers, volunteers, and food pantries are on the front lines to bring food where it is needed most. Since the start of the pandemic, our network has distributed an estimated 5.3 billion meals to our neighbors.
The majority of network food banks report seeing a record increase in the number of people needing help. Food banks see an average increase of over 55% more of our neighbors visiting food banks than before the pandemic. Roughly 4 in 10 people visiting food banks had not received food assistance before the pandemic. In fact, as we plan ahead, we expect there to be a supply gap of 8 billion meals needed to feed our neighbors.
You are helping to keep food banks strong
Thanks to your support, our network of 200 food bank members received more than $316 million in emergency funding and direct support through our COVID-19 Response Fund. The response fund helps food banks across the country provide equitable food access and reach communities, families, and people disproportionately affected by the pandemic and its economic fallout. These funds help food banks:
In this time of uncertainty, Feeding America along with its network of local leaders works to ensure that this pandemic does not perpetuate inequity or deepen the burdens often borne disproportionately by communities of color and low-income people. We are agile and adaptive, supporting the growing needs of the communities we serve.
Feeding America dedicates our resources, platforms, and political will to make the biggest impact on people with the greatest need. This moment is an opportunity to illuminate how we are all affected when some of us lack the protections of a safety net. By focusing on the needs of people most impacted, we can better ensure the health and safety of all communities.
To learn more about the response in your community and how you can help, find your local food bank.
We can't do it without you.
Here are some small ways you can help food banks continue their important work:
Volunteer at a Food Bank
Food banks need volunteer support to keep food programs running. Make a difference in-person or online.
Thank Food Bank Workers
Send a message to the front-line food bank workers and volunteers helping our neighbors every day.
Become an advocate
Families across the country need more support to get meals - and fast. Support emergency relief today.
Want to do more? Check out our full list of ways to help your local food bank during the pandemic.
We all need help sometimes. The Feeding America network is here to help if you or someone you know needs food assistance.
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