US facing hunger crisis as demand for food banks soars

[KY_EnviroGuy]

'A perfect storm': US facing hunger crisis as demand for food banks soars
Food banks are reporting unprecedented demand across the US as millions lose jobs, investigation shows
Nina Lakhani in New York
Thu 2 Apr 2020

Link: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/apr/02/us-food-banks-coronavirus-demand-unemployment

(snips)

An unprecedented number of Americans have resorted to food banks for emergency supplies since the coronavirus pandemic triggered widespread layoffs.

The demand for food aid has increased as much as eightfold in some areas, according to an investigation by the Guardian, which gives a nationwide snapshot of the hunger crisis facing the US as millions become unemployed.

About one in three people seeking groceries at not-for-profit pantries last month have never previously needed emergency food aid, according to interviews with a dozen providers across the country.

The national guard has been deployed to help food banks cope with rising demand in cities including Cleveland, Phoenix and St Louis amid growing concerns that supplies may run low as the crisis evolves. Overstretched food pantries are switching to drive-thrus and home deliveries to minimize the spread of Covid-19 as almost 300 million Americans are urged to stay at home.

Quick Guide:

How you can help food banks in the Covid-19 pandemic

Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, more than 40 million Americans relied on food banks to get enough to eat. Now, the demand for emergency food aid is growing exponentially as millions of people lose their jobs.

As this demand grows, food banks are receiving far fewer donations from retailers as people are buying in bulk, so stocks are low. This means food banks must buy more supplies to make sure they have enough to feed every hungry American asking for help.

Donate money or supplies

The Feeding America network of 200 food banks secures and distributes 4.3 billion meals each year through 60,000 food pantries and meal programs. They help vulnerable communities including the elderly and disabled, as well as providing free nutritional lunches for school children from low-income families.

If you want to help, find your local food bank, and go to their website to donate. You can also donate to Feeding America’s Covid-19 response fund.

Volunteers

Food banks rely on volunteers, and Feeding America and food pantries across the US urgently need help as most regular volunteers are senior citizens who are particularly vulnerable to Covid-19. If you are interested in becoming a new volunteer, use Feeding America’s tool to find your local food bank or pantry but please get in touch with them first before showing up. Remember, if you’re worried about your own health or the risk to a family member, “stay home” is the advice.

Social media

Feeding America also says you can help in small ways like following your local food bank on social media and sharing what they are doing online, or by becoming an advocate for the fight to end hunger in America.

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Contributions like this are one of the few ways those of us who are forced to remain isolated can help our fellow-man during this crisis. Many other charities will be in despirate need as well such as homeless shelters, Planned Parenthood and the Red Cross.

For ratings on charities that catch your eye, see: Charity Navigator

Link: https://www.charitynavigator.org/

I invite DUers to add your thoughts and to list any charities you feel are crucial to this frightening moment in our history.

KY............

[msongs]

1. hawaiifoodbank.org there are a few others in the islands as well nt

[KY_EnviroGuy]

5. Hopefully, everyone will list a link for their state. Here's mine....

Kentucky Food Banks

View all Kentucky food banks near you and donate to those that are hungry and in need. Food banks in KY are amazing organizations that are mostly run by volunteers with big hearts with one goal only, to help those in need. Donate to a Kentucky food pantry today!

Link: https://www.foodbanks.net/state/ky.html


KY.............

[Marrah_Goodman]

2. If you are not in dire need of your stimulus check and are looking to donate part of it........

... please consider your local food banks.

[MissB]

4. That's what my son is planning on doing

He’s the only one if the four of us that will get a check. He has decided to donate it to his local food bank.

He’s graduating from college in a few weeks.

[totodeinhere]

3. This just goes to show how bad off a lot of Americans were even before this crisis

started. Most people who have lost their jobs due to this crisis have been out of work for no more than a few days or weeks at most. Yet they are already out of food and going to food banks.

[KY_EnviroGuy]

6. Find food banks in your area...

Nationwide Food Bank Search

Food Bank Search

Helping those in need is the main and only goal of food bank organizations. Food banks, also known as food pantries, help the hungry by operating with the help of volunteers to carry out the day-to-day collecting of donations and distributing those donations to those in need.

View the most up-to-date list of food banks locations nationwide. View all addresses, contact information, hours of operation, and more.

Link: https://www.foodbanks.net/

Seems to work better to enter the nearest town or city rather than a zip code.


KY...........