Food for Thought

Lending a Helping Hand to your Local Food Banks

The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year for our local food banks. According to an article by GoErie, it is estimated that over 12% of people in Erie County face food insecurity. Second Harvest Food Bank of NWPA alone distributes roughly over 12 million pounds of food per year. Ensuring that people have access to food is one of the most tangible ways we can uplift and support our fellow community members during these tumultuous times.

Some of the best ways to help are to:

• Donate food. Non-perishables such as unexpired canned goods are always welcome. See the graphic below for the most sought-after items.

• Start a virtual fundraiser. Monetary funding is just as valuable to food banks as food donations. Just $25 can provide up to 150 meals at Second Harvest Food Bank of NWPA, which you can donate to online.

• Volunteer with a food bank to help pack and distribute meals. This is a great option for those who do not have the option to donate but would still like to make a difference. You can do this individually, or with a group such as your coworkers, friends, family, or members of your church.

There are several other food banks in the area, which you can find here. And just a reminder: you do not need to qualify for government assistance to receive help from a food bank. They exist to serve anyone who is in need, no matter your situation.