Wise Giving Wednesday: How to Support Communities Facing Food Insecurity

Food insecurity is closer to home than many of us realize. Thoughtful giving can help communities respond.

Food Insecurity in the United States

For many families, having enough food on the table cannot be taken for granted. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that 18.3 million U.S. households (13.7%) experience food insecurity, a measure of limited or uncertain access to adequate food due to insufficient resources.

What SNAP Changes Could Mean for Food Banks and Pantries

As the winter and holiday season approaches, food banks and pantries across the nation may face additional demand as changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) take effect.

The changes include modifications to work requirements and eligibility rules, including expanding work requirements to adults ages 60 to 64 and narrowing SNAP eligibility for noncitizens.

Because the provisions have different effective dates and states are responsible for implementing many of the changes, the timing and effects will vary by state. However, food banks and pantries, which may already be facing elevated demand, may face additional pressure to provide food and other resources in their community.

Raising Awareness: Hunger Action Month

Each September, BBB Accredited Charity Feeding America observes Hunger Action Month, a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about hunger and encourage people to take action.

This year’s theme, “Play Your Part,” emphasizes that everyone can help fight food insecurity by volunteering, donating food or funds, or supporting organizations working to increase access to nutritious food.

Feeding America reports that approximately 48 million people in the United States face hunger, including 14 million children.

What Food Banks Are Seeing in Their Communities

Food banks are seeing the pressure firsthand. Erin Pulling, president and CEO of Food Bank of the Rockies, described growing need across the region:

Right now, food insecurity in our region is at a 12-year high, and the need continues to grow. Full-time working families, individuals, and older adults are feeling the strain of rising costs for basic needs. At the same time, we’re seeing a significant decline in federal support programs like SNAP. No one should have to choose between putting food on the table and paying for housing, healthcare, or other essentials. That’s why Food Bank of the Rockies is committed to partnering with our community to ensure everyone has access to the nourishing meals they need to thrive.

Judith Cruz, president and CEO of Treasure Coast Food Bank in Florida, emphasized that food insecurity is not always immediately visible:

Food insecurity doesn’t always look like hunger. It looks like a parent skipping a meal so their child can eat, a senior choosing between groceries and medication, or a working family whose paycheck simply doesn’t stretch as far as it once did. With rising living costs and changes and reductions to the SNAP benefits program, more of our neighbors are turning to food banks for the first time. This is a moment when our community must come together—because no one should have to choose between putting food on the table and paying for life’s other necessities.

If you are looking to support organizations addressing food insecurity, explore the following BBB Accredited Charities working nationally and in local communities.

National Charities Addressing Food Insecurity

Local & Regional Charities Addressing Food Insecurity

Supporting Other Basic Needs in Your Community

Food insecurity and changes to SNAP can have effects that extend beyond access to food.

Families experiencing financial pressure may also need assistance with housing, healthcare, transportation, childcare, immigration assistance, and other basic needs. Charities providing these services can also help individuals and families navigate periods of financial hardship.

Whether you choose to support a food bank or other human service charities, thoughtful giving can help address needs in your community.

Visit Give.org to see if the charity meets the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability (i.e., a BBB Accredited Charity). If a BBB charity report is not available, review the organization’s website for additional details about its services, needs, and achievements.

Recent Reports

We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:

• American Childhood Cancer Organization
• Church World Service
• Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund

Finally, remember to let us know by going to give.org/charity-inquiry if you are interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.