5 Ways to Give to Your Local Food Pantry

I know everyone is trying to grab your attention this time of year and get you to give their cause, but I wanted to share some ways you could help your local food pantry. Here we go!

1. Give time. 

Your time is one of the most valuable things you can give. Seriously, almost all food pantries need volunteers. That will look different at each one, but they need you. At my food pantry, they desperately need people to come and simply put an assortment of food in bags to give out easily. I normally only help out for an hour a week, so it's not like it's a huge commitment, but it's great to work there. 

2. Give (Good) food. 

My family was unemployed for two years. We depended on food pantry food to eat for a lot of weeks. I distinctly remember one week getting very excited because we had gotten a box of food which meant finally some variety in our contact diet of mac and cheese. I cannot express my disappointment when inside the box was limp cabbage and cans of stuff I don't think anyone actually eats if they aren't desperate. We ate it, and my mom used it as a lesson on how we should be grateful for everything God provides and I still appreciate that lesson. But I can't help but hope that a lot of kids won't have to learn that way and that they'll be excited to get bags because they have good food in them. Most food pantrys depend on donations, and so what you give is very important. Out of date, super weird, or half-used food items are not a good way to go when donating, but what you give may mean the world to someone. I remember getting chips one month and it was the biggest treat we had had in a long time.

3. Give money. 

Food pantries often have a lot of monetary needs. Most of the time they buy food to supplement donations, have to pay utility bills and have to buy equipment to keep operating. Giving money is a great way to help them stay afloat. 

4. Give prayers. 

Handing out food is not a photo-op event, it's pretty rough a lot of times. So pray for your local food pantry and the people who come through. 

5. Give cards. 

Most food pantries will accept cards to give out to the clients. You can write encouraging notes to make people smile. Or simply write your local food pantry and tell them you appreciate them. 

So there you have it, five ways you can help out at your local food pantry. I hope you will at least look up the food pantries in your area and check them out. They can be so awesome! 

Merry Christmas y'all!! I may not post next week since it's Christmas. =)