Everyone can be part of the solution, Sutton says.
Give money to your local food bank.
The largest web link is Feeding America, comprising 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries.
Amrita Marino
Take action:Search for the closest food bank in the Feeding America networkhere.
Donate food to your local food pantry.
While financial contributions are most effective, if what people can give is food, then give that food.
Because that is always appreciated, Fitzgerald says.
Our advice would be to give what you would want to eat, Fitzgerald says.
Hold a virtual food drive.
When you hear food drive, you probably think of the traditional cardboard collection boxes.
(They may also set up an online wish list.)
Take action:Contactyour local food bankto ask about getting started orhost a drivefor Feeding America.
Volunteer with a local food bank.
Food banks largely rely on volunteers to operate; 51% do so entirely, according to Feeding America.
There is also the usual food sorting, shelf-stocking, and packing boxes of food.
Every food bank will have different programs and volunteer opportunities for you, Fitzgerald says.
Take action:Get in touch with your local food bankhere.
Donate to the Feeding America COVID-19 Response Fund.
The pandemic has imposed unprecedented costs on food banks and pantries.
Take action:Donate to the Feeding America COVID-19 Response Fundhere.
Write or call your congressperson asking them to support boosting SNAP.
For every one meal provided by food banks,SNAP provides nine.
Solutions existthe only thing getting in the way is political will, Sutton explains.
The more you could personalize your message, the more impactful it will be, Teller says.
That really stays with them, she says.
Take action:All senators and representatives have websites with contact info, findable with a web search.
Send a letter to the editor to your local newspaper.
As with to a direct letter to your congressperson, stories about real people are best, Teller says.
Take action:Visit your local papers website to find out how to make a submission.
(If youre not sure what your local paper is, search theUnited States Newspaper Listing.)
Make some noise on social media.
Tweet at them using#BoostSNAPNow, and get your family and friends to do the same.
Because they do listen, they do pay attention to what their constituents are saying, Sutton says.
Volunteer with Meals on Wheels.
Many local Meals on Wheels programs are in dire need of more helping hands during the pandemic.
However, others arent currently taking on new volunteers.
Take action:Learn more about what volunteering for Meals on Wheels is likehereand sign uphere.
