When resources are scarce, especially in a health outbreak like the COVID-19 pandemic, making ends meets for many people can be a great challenge since more and more families are facing issues between high prices and dwindling job opportunities. And this resulted in more and more people lining up to food banks for help.
Fortunately, there are over 200 food bank outlets in the country that provide hot meals regularly. But how does the food bank work in providing food for hungry people? If you want to more about this, then we invite you to continue reading this post.
Where Are The Provisions Coming From And How Food Is Distributed In A Food Bank?
Food banks have different facilities that store, repackage, and distribute food to various charities and member organizations. And they receive food supplies from the following sources:
- USDA Commodities – Part of the food stocks of this government agency is allocated to different states and local food agencies and distribution centers like homeless centers and food kitchens.
- Large Donations – Surpluses from food, retailers, manufacturers, and growers are being donated to food banks so the food can be distributed to less fortunate people.
- Other Donations – Aids from local business establishments, religious groups, and state government agencies. And in some cases, other food banks can also provide donations if they have overages.
Although many soup kitchens and faith-based missions provide food to the needy, the food banks serve as the primary source of healthy, nutritious, and staple foods. And the way the food is being distributed can vary depending on the organization and the location of the outlet(s).
Typically, foods are being given in bulk, which is then repackaged for delivery to different outlets and then prepared and provided by food bank volunteers to the hungry and indigent individuals. Usually, food bank organizations are more than happy to receive food donations. They put them to good use and you will notice that they are always happy to see those who are willing to help arrive at their facility. It’s great to know that there are still people who are ready to lend a helping hand to others, especially in a time of great need like the COVID-19 pandemic.
A food bank is a great institution that brings people together to help out. It gives you the opportunity to take part in various activities and even volunteer for some time.
Additional Support
Food banks are not limited to providing food for the hungry and impoverished families because some outlets also offer other forms of help. These include the following:
- Benefits guidance
- Debt advice
- Mental health support
Likewise, volunteers can also offer additional support to others even if they can’t render their service to the food bank outlet:
- Discuss the issue of hunger to help raise awareness.
- Host a party and provide home-cooked meals to help hungry families.
- Organize a food drive to collect emergency food to be donated to the food bank outlet.
- Start an online blog that can also help raise awareness about the hunger problem in the United States.
Overall, food banks not only feed but they also offer help so that people will be able to resolve the hunger crises they are facing. If you’re looking for a food bank to donate to, you can check out Second Harvest Food Bank Manteca today.