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Thu, November 13, 2025
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How to Make a Real Impact: The Best Ways to Support Food Banks in 2025
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Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, November 13th 2025 at 13:51 GMT by Today- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
How to Make a Real Impact: The Best Ways to Support Food Banks in 2025
When a news story on Today goes viral, it is often because it tackles a problem that feels both immediate and personal: hunger. The article “Best way to help food banks” (https://www.today.com/food/news/best-way-to-help-food-banks-rcna243718) cuts to the chase, offering a clear, actionable roadmap for anyone who wants to do more than donate a bag of rice to the nearest drive‑in. By pulling together research, expert insights, and a handful of “inside” tips, the piece reminds readers that the most effective form of support is often the most overlooked.
1. The Real‑Time Landscape of Food Insecurity
The article opens with a sobering snapshot of the current food‑bank climate. Inflation, supply‑chain bottlenecks, and an uptick in low‑income households have pushed the U.S. food‑bank system into a tight spot. “In 2024 alone, the demand for food assistance increased by 12% compared to the previous year,” notes a spokesperson for Feeding America—an organization that connects local food banks across the country. The piece underscores that while canned goods and staples are always needed, the flexibility that monetary donations provide is essential for meeting these sudden spikes in demand.
2. Money is the Most Versatile Tool
One of the article’s core messages is that cash donations are the gold standard for food‑bank relief. Food‑bank administrators explain that money lets them purchase perishable items—fresh produce, dairy, and protein—that are often the most nutritious, yet the hardest to stock. A food‑bank executive at the Greater Boston Food Bank told Today that “$50 can buy a whole chicken, a dozen eggs, and a bag of apples—items that families who rely on the pantry truly need.”
The article includes a quick “donation calculator”:
- $10 = a box of frozen vegetables or a pack of frozen meats
- $25 = a week's worth of groceries for a family of four
- $50 = the same as above, but with added flexibility for regional price variations
Readers are encouraged to use the Today article’s “Donate Now” link (which redirects to a secure Feeding America donation page), where you can set a one‑time or recurring contribution—each of which is tax‑deductible.
3. Volunteering: The Human Touch
While the article spotlights monetary help, it also dedicates a full section to volunteerism. “Volunteers help with sorting, packaging, and delivering food,” explains a volunteer coordinator at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. The article lists three prime volunteer opportunities that food banks across the country rely on:
- Warehouse Sort & Pack – Helping to sort donated items and pack them into family‑size boxes.
- Community Distribution Events – Assisting at local grocery‑style distribution sites where families pick up their food.
- Special Projects – Participating in “Food Bank of the Year” initiatives, such as school lunch drives or disaster‑response teams.
The article supplies a handy “Volunteer Match” tool that directs readers to a local food bank’s volunteer sign‑up page. For example, if you’re in the Seattle area, the article points to the Puget Sound Food Bank volunteer portal, which lists upcoming “Volunteer Days” and “One‑Day Shift” opportunities.
4. Going Beyond the Pantry: Advocacy & Fundraising
Beyond giving money or time, the article encourages civic engagement. “Food banks need advocates in local and state legislatures,” says a community‑organizing expert interviewed in the piece. By contacting your representatives to support policies that expand food‑bank funding, you help create a long‑term solution to hunger. The article also offers a sample email template to send to lawmakers.
Additionally, the Today article spotlights an easy way to multiply your impact: organize a fundraising event. Whether it’s a charity run, bake sale, or a community potluck, the article explains how to set up a local donation page that automatically credits your chosen food bank. Even a $20 “sponsorship” from a friend can spark a wave of generosity—especially when people see that the money goes directly to purchasing fresh food.
5. The Nuance of Food Donations
The article does not dismiss the value of food drives outright. Instead, it provides nuanced guidance:
- Check expiration dates – Food banks can’t accept anything that’s already expired.
- Package carefully – Items should be unopened and individually wrapped.
- Avoid perishables unless you can guarantee they’ll be distributed within 48 hours.
For more on “how to donate food effectively,” the article links to Feeding America’s official guide (feedingamerica.org/donate), which breaks down the types of food that are most useful in today’s supply chain climate.
6. A Call to Action
The piece closes on a hopeful note: “Every dollar, hour, or handful of food matters.” By following the Today article’s three‑step plan—donate money online, volunteer at your local center, and get involved in advocacy—you become a part of the solution rather than a silent spectator. And because the article highlights that food banks are increasingly transparent about where their funds go, donors can trust that their contributions are used to purchase fresh produce and protein, the very items that make a difference for families in need.
Take the Next Step
- Donate cash: Visit the Feeding America link from the article.
- Volunteer: Use the Volunteer Match tool to find a local slot.
- Advocate: Email your local representatives with the provided template.
- Share: Post the article on social media and invite friends to join you.
In a world where food insecurity is more visible than ever, the Today article provides a roadmap that is both practical and powerful. By harnessing the best ways to help food banks—money, time, and advocacy—every one of us can help turn the tide against hunger.
Read the Full Today Article at:
[ https://www.today.com/food/news/best-way-to-help-food-banks-rcna243718 ]
