Feeding Louisiana’s Post

**Hunger doesn't care about your zip code.** With the rising cost of living and inflation affecting everyone, food insecurity has become a critical issue, particularly for the 1.9 million adults and children in Massachusetts who represent 1 in 3 households. The increasing prices of essential goods have made it significantly harder for families to afford nutritious food, pushing many to seek help from food agencies and community resources. As one of the four food banks in Massachusetts, Merrimack Valley Food Bank, Inc. partners with over 100 food agencies across 33 communities. Together, we are working tirelessly to provide emergency food assistance to those in need. However, the demand for healthy food continues to stretch our resources. To ensure that everyone has access to the nutritious food they need to thrive, we need your help. 💪 Here’s what you can do: *Donate to Merrimack Valley Food Bank and help feed 80,000 each month *Host a food drive with family, friends, or your company. *Volunteer your time. *Raise Awareness about the growing need and encourage others to get involved. No amount is too small to address this urgent issue and make a tangible difference in our communities. Donate today to https://mvfb.org #MVFB #FoodInsecurity #FightHunger

💡 What’s the difference between a food bank and a food pantry? 🍊 A food bank is a nonprofit that collects and stores donated food from neighbors, grocery stores and restaurants. They distribute this food to local programs, like food pantries, with the help of drivers. All food banks share the same mission: to end food insecurity. 🏫 A food pantry is where families can get food directly. Supplied by food banks, pantries help hundreds of people each week and are often found in schools or mobile units to reach those who may struggle with transportation. In Orange County, Second Harvest is one of two food banks while there are hundreds of food pantries. 🍽️ Together, food banks and pantries helped provide over 21 million meals to nearly 110,000 children last year! (Feeding America) #WeFeedOC #SecondHarvestOC #FoodBank #FoodPantry

California is stepping up to address food insecurity this holiday season, with organizations across the state making significant strides to support those in need. Despite being a top producer of fruits and vegetables, approximately 8.8 million Californians, including children, seniors, and veterans, face uncertainty about their next meal. Thanks to local food banks and community efforts, hope is being served across the state. In Sacramento County, the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services distributes over 3.25 million pounds of food each month, helping more than 305,000 individuals. Meanwhile, in San Joaquin County, the Emergency Food Bank of Stockton/San Joaquin provided for over 854,000 people in 2023, with even greater outreach expected this year. Yolo County’s Yolo Food Bank supports over 22,000 households monthly, while Feeding the Foothills is making a difference across El Dorado, Nevada, and Placer counties by collaborating with Feeding America. The Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano delivers 2.7 million meals annually, while the Second Harvest of the Greater Valley reaches an eight-county region, assisting 35,000 individuals every month. In Yuba and Sutter Counties, the Yuba-Sutter Food Bank ensures regular food distributions focused on nutrition. Every $5 donation can provide up to 15 meals, showcasing how small contributions create meaningful change. As the season of giving continues, communities are uniting to ensure everyone can celebrate with a full plate and a hopeful heart. Original author: Staff (ABC10). Great News Summary made with help from ChatGPT. https://lnkd.in/gQ5j_PDN

Food Insecurity: A Growing Emergency in Our Community Food insecurity is not just a challenge—it's an emergency. As the cost of living continues to rise, more families are forced to make impossible choices between essentials like rent and groceries. At The Compass Food Bank, we see firsthand the impact of this crisis. Every day, more people turn to us for help, struggling to put food on the table. This holiday season, it's crucial that we come together to support our neighbors in need. How You Can Help: Donate: Your contributions ensure we can provide nutritious food to those in need. Volunteer: Join us in making a difference by giving your time and skills. Spread Awareness: Share this post and let others know about the urgency of food insecurity. Together, we can turn the tide and provide hope and support to our community. For more information on how you can make a difference, visit our website: https://thecompass.ca Thank you for your compassion and generosity. #mississauga #foodbanks #pleasehelp #donationsneeded #volunteersmakeadifference #donationsmakeadifference #clarksonbia #portcredibia #lakeview #gta #foodinsecurity #homelessness #costofliving #costoflivingcrisis

My heart has been heavy this weekend watching a place I called home for five years be washed away. It's been heartening to see the community and people from neighboring towns come together to offer support but I can't imagine what it's going to take to rebuild. So many friends have lost homes, businesses, and studios. So many people are without safe drinking water, electricity, and more, and many will be without income sources for quite some time. Like with most disasters, lots of "aid" organizations will show up out of nowhere asking for money to help the community but many of these funnel the majority of donations into operating and advertising while reserving very little for the actual communities and people affected. If you, like me, are trying to make the most impact possible from a distance, here are some trustworthy places you can donate and, for people living in Asheville, some places you can go for aid. If you know of any other directly impactful organizations or resources, please share them in the comments: DONATIONS (aid + add'l resources below) -------- - BeLoved Asheville Venmo: BeLoved-Asheville CashApp: $BeLovedAsheville Zelle: 828-412-2054 - MANNA FoodBank https://lnkd.in/g5-VWVHb - American Red Cross Text HELENE to 90999 to make a donation - Homeward Bound https://lnkd.in/g4ZfTYdf AID/GAS/WATER/FOOD -------- - WATER Lowe’s: 95 Smokey Park Highway, Asheville, NC Home Depot: 795 Fairview Rd, Asheville, NC 127 Acton Cir, Asheville, NC Pisgah Brewing Company: 2849 US 70 (Water available from 2 to 5 p.m., BYO sanitary container) Publix: 165 Weaver Boulevard - Manna Food Bank: Call 1-800-820-1109 for Food Assistance - GROCERIES Food Lion: 179 Paragon Pkwy, Clyde, NC Trader Joe’s: 120 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC 28801 Ingles Markets (Cash Only): 575 New Leicester Hwy, Asheville, NC Walmart: 1636 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville, NC Publix: 165 Weaver Boulevard - GAS Arden Quality Plus: 2273 Hendersonville Rd, Arden, NC Sheetz: 5440 Asheville Hwy, Hendersonville, NC - WIFI LOCATIONS Buncombe County Health Department: 40 Cox Ave, Weaverville, NC Citizen Vinyl: 14 O’Henry Ave, Asheville, NC DoubleTree Hilton Downtown: 199 Haywood St., Asheville Asheville Shelter, Ferguson Building: 340 Victoria Road, Asheville IMPORTANT NUMBERS -------- Duke Energy: 1-800-419-6356 (to report outages call 1-800-543-5599 or text "OUT" to 57801) NC Highway Patrol: 828-298-4252 / Road Conditions: DriveNC.gov Emergency Call Center: 828-356-2020 Buncombe County Non-emergency: 828-250-6650 Canton Police: 828-648-2376 Waynesville Police: 828-456-5363 Maggie Valley Police: 828-926-0867 HEMC: 828-452-2281 Haywood County Animal Control: 828-456-5338 Haywood County Department of Social Services: 828-452-6620 Haywood County Missing Persons: 828-452-6666 Canton Water: 828-648-2376 Waynesville Water: 828-456-3706 #withasheville #ashevillenorthcarolina

Food insecurity isn't just a challenge faced by low-income neighborhoods. It's likely present in your own backyard. With corporate cost-cutting and reorganizations, many people are grappling with unemployment and putting food on the table. You never know what's happening behind closed doors. Writing this post because I found out my daughter has a classmate whose family has been missing meals. I do not know the family but figuring out how to invite them over for a meal or offer support. Here are three actionable steps we can all take to make a difference: 1️⃣ Volunteer at local food banks or community kitchens: Offer your time and support to organizations dedicated to providing meals for those in need. Your assistance can make a tangible impact in alleviating hunger within your community. 2️⃣ Donate non-perishable food items: Take stock of your pantry and consider donating surplus food items to local shelters or food banks. Even small contributions can collectively make a significant difference in combating food insecurity. 3️⃣ Advocate for policy change: Use your voice to advocate for policies that address the root causes of food insecurity, such as unemployment benefits, affordable housing, and access to nutritious food options. By raising awareness and supporting systemic change, we can work towards a more equitable society where everyone has access to an ample food supply. Coincidently, this Wednesday's Inspired Money livestream is talking about "The Power of Giving: Making an Impact through Philanthropy." There are benefits to both giving and receiving. Together, let's join hands to tackle food insecurity and ensure that no one in our communities goes hungry. My family enjoyined volunteering at the Food Bank last week during winter break. How are you giving back? #FoodInsecurity #CommunitySupport #MakeADifference #FinancialAdvisor

This month is Hunger Action Month. I've learned that neighbors prefer to keep their hunger a secret, feeling ashamed when they can't feed themselves or their families. Organizations work tirelessly to provide millions of meals to combat hunger daily. Please consider volunteering at a food pantry or food bank to improve the lives of community members around you and help families and individuals struggling with hunger to put food on their tables. Consider donating to a food organization that serves the community. Your contribution will help these organizations cover operating costs to feed families, seniors, people with disabilities, and others in need. As a food justice leader in New York City, I can tell you that the lines at the food pantry are growing every month. More and more people are experiencing food insecurity, which means they need access to adequate quality food to meet their basic needs. There are many reasons why people need food pantries. Families and seniors are trying to save money due to rising New York City apartment rents and increasing food prices and household expenses at grocery stores. Increased visits to food pantries: In 2023, families in New York City made over one million monthly visits to food pantries, soup kitchens, and community food programs. This is nearly a 100% increase since before the pandemic, and it's the most significant increase among different age groups. Please visit brmuhc.networkforgood.com to donate to the Brooklyn Rescue Mission, which has served 3 million meals to hungry New Yorkers over the last 20 years. Rev. Robert Ennis Jackson

Holidays like Thanksgiving are about warmth and enrichment, but for those facing food insecurity, it can be a stressful time. Project Bread CEO Erin McAleer is here with a message for you. No one should go hungry — certainly not during the holidays. Your gift today is more than a holiday meal. It’s a lifeline. We help about 20,000 people per year through our FoodSource Hotline, from assisting people with finding free meals for their kids to guiding them with their SNAP applications. Donating today provides families with reliable access to food, choice in what they eat, and relief from daily hunger worries. Not just on Thanksgiving, but all year long. Give today: https://lnkd.in/gNf5ekTh

You know when you want to help those in need but you have no control over mother nature and it's an awful feeling. I think it's literally in our DNA to help others. I really want to make an impact, so I'm doing a little fundraiser to help those impacted get some relief! We can all help! Drop a comment or message me for the link! P.S. Happy to set you up your own link to spread the love. Let's make this go viral!! Pampered Chef helps people by partnering with Feeding America to donate a portion of their sales to fight hunger, allowing them to provide meals to individuals and families facing food insecurity through Feeding America's network of food banks; essentially, when you buy Pampered Chef products, a part of that purchase goes directly towards helping people in need of food through Feeding America. Key points about this partnership: "Round-Up from the Heart" campaign: Pampered Chef runs a dedicated campaign where customers can "round up" their purchase to the nearest dollar, with the extra amount going directly to Feeding America. Specific product donations: Sometimes, Pampered Chef will designate certain products where a portion of each sale is donated to Feeding America. How Feeding America helps people: Distributing food: Feeding America works with a network of food banks across the United States to collect food donations and distribute them to people in need through food pantries and meal programs. Addressing hunger issues: By providing access to food, Feeding America aims to alleviate hunger and food insecurity in communities. #makeanimpact #hurricanerelief #feedingamerica #endhunger #helpthoseinneed #makeadifference #roundup #doubledonations

Fasting to raise awareness for children’s hunger | Day 4: Cruising through day 2 of the 48-hour fast, feeling good. Waking up hungry is not my favorite thing ever, but American families are doing it every day. Fasting helps you empathize with the challenge of food insecurity in a deeper way. Saturday I’ll be volunteering at Feeding Northeast Florida - excited for that and will keep you posted! Thanks for the support so far! — Ways you can get involved: 1. Donate or volunteer at a local food bank like Feeding America 2. Health permitting, fast along with me. We’re doing a 1-day fast, a 2-day fast, and a 3-day fast in the first ten days of April. Make sure you take it slow and do your research before you change your eating habits like this. Speaking from experience, the difference between a 1-day fast and a 3-day fast is enormous. 3. Spread the word! Raise awareness about children’s hunger and food insecurity in the United States. Because no child deserves to go hungry. #fasting #hunger #feedingflorida #feedingamerica