Fighting Food Insecurity

By Becky Doemland

I’ll be honest: Not much makes me angrier than the issue of food insecurity in our country. It’s a solvable problem: The U.S. has an abundant food supply. We produce enough for every person in our country to have food to eat. But we’re bogged down by systemic problems of distribution, access and affordability. And when we acknowledge hunger as a symptom of poverty and consider the policy changes necessary to address its root causes, it seems daunting, and we start to feel helpless.

The truth about hunger in our nation is staggering. According to Feeding America, the largest domestic hunger relief agency in the U.S.:

I’ve learned that being mad about hunger is useless unless it fuels action. The good news is that there are plenty of ways for us to take action and make a difference in our communities.

Know the Helpers

As the need for food assistance grows, we’re hearing a lot in the media about hunger relief agencies. As you consider your contribution, it’s helpful to know who-does-what.

• Food banks like Midwest Food Bank and Gleaners Food Bank in Central Indiana warehouse large quantities of food and distribute that food to smaller, local food pantries and hunger-relief programs. Food banks work with national distributors and grocery chains to increase their buying power, so every donated dollar yields up to six distributed meals. For this reason, food banks appreciate financial gifts over donated food items.
• Food pantries are often community-based programs, associated with schools, churches and community centers. Neighbors in need come to food pantries to receive groceries for their families. Food pantries are appreciative of both food and money donations as they address the direct needs of the community.
• Food rescue organizations like Second Helpings in Indianapolis focus on intercepting perishable surplus food from restaurants, caterers, and grocers that would otherwise be wasted. Using this food, they prepare and distribute nutritious meals to agencies like soup kitchens, shelters, and food pantries. By preventing food waste and providing ready-to-eat meals, food rescue organizations work to close the gap between surplus and need.

Cash is (Still) King

If you want to help fight hunger in your area, a financial donation is the most appreciated way to contribute. Hunger relief organizations operate with logistical efficiency and greater buying power. They purchase food in bulk, often at deeply discounted wholesale or negotiated rates that are far below what any individual consumer pays at the checkout counter. Simply put, your donation goes farther toward feeding people when it’s received as a financial contribution.

Furthermore, cash donations provide the flexibility to purchase the most needed items—such as fresh produce, protein and dairy—and cover essential operating costs like transportation and staffing. Every hunger relief agency is accurately aware of their community’s needs, and they funnel their resources to meet those needs most effectively.

Collect Food. Drive Awareness.

If you’re motivated to stage a food drive instead – in your workplace, at your place of worship, or among friends – there are many ways to maximize your impact. Collecting food for a hunger relief agency is a fantastic way to engage others in the cause and drive awareness of the need in your community.

Don’t just ask people to donate food randomly though. Following these tips can ensure your food drive is impactful for everyone involved.

1. Partner with a local agency. Identify a food bank or food pantry near you and find out whether they have a “wish list” of most-needed items. In Indiana, you can use Community Compass to find organizations in your area.
2. Be intentional about the food you give. Prioritize ready-to-eat and self-contained items. Avoid meal kits or mixes that require additional, often expensive, ingredients (like meat or milk) which a food pantry client may not have.
3. Check expiration dates and packaging. Food banks and food pantries must check the viability of all donated foods, which can be a significant resource drain. Before donating foods, carefully check expiration and “best by” dates and discard anything with damaged packaging.
4. Choose a theme or category. Narrowing your food collection to a specific item or category creates a more unifying activity for everyone. Ask people to donate boxes of cereal and shelf-stable milk or focus on pasta and sauces that make a satisfying family meal. When everyone in your group is collecting the same items, they take greater ownership and feel more engaged in the activity.

Need help with organizing a food drive? Download a one-page guide or reach out to a social-impact consultant like Good Works Indy for assistance.

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Becky Doemland is a social impact consultant based in Indianapolis, helping businesses throughout Central Indiana develop and implement their philanthropic and community involvement strategies. Learn more about partnering with Becky at www.GoodWorksIndy.com.