How to Help Your Local Food Bank: 10 Ways to Make an Impact

Want to make a real difference in your community? Food banks like Manna House rely on community support to serve families in need. Here are ten meaningful ways you can help.

1. Donate Non-Perishable Food

The most direct way to help! Food banks consistently need:

• Proteins: Canned tuna, chicken, beans, peanut butter
• Grains: Rice, pasta, cereal, oatmeal
• Canned goods: Vegetables, fruits, soups
• Cooking essentials: Oil, flour, sugar, spices
• Shelf-stable milk: Powdered or boxed milk

Pro tip: Check expiration dates before donating and avoid items in damaged packaging.

2. Give Financially

Cash donations are incredibly valuable because they allow food banks to:

• Purchase exactly what's needed
• Buy groceries and needed supplies
• Take advantage of bulk purchasing discounts
• Cover operational costs

Many food banks can stretch every dollar donated into multiple meals.

3. Volunteer Your Time

Food banks need hands to:

• Sort and organize donations
• Set up distribution events
• Assist families during distribution
• Load food into vehicles
• Clean up after events

At Manna House, volunteers gather on Saturday mornings—even a few hours monthly makes a huge difference.

4. Organize a Food Drive

Multiply your impact by organizing collections at:

• Your workplace
• Your church or faith community
• Schools and youth groups
• Neighborhood events
• Sports leagues or clubs

Contact Manna House for collection boxes and promotional materials.

5. Share Professional Skills

Your expertise can help! Food banks need:

• Medical professionals: Staff free clinics (like Manna House's!)
• Marketers: Help spread the word
• Accountants: Assist with finances
• Drivers: Transport food donations
• IT specialists: Support technology needs

6. Donate Hygiene Items

Many families need more than food. Consider donating:

• Soap and shampoo
• Toothpaste and toothbrushes
• Feminine hygiene products
• Diapers and baby wipes
• Toilet paper

7. Support Year-Round

Food banks receive the most donations during the holidays, but hunger doesn't take a vacation. Set up recurring donations or volunteer commitments to provide consistent support throughout the year.

8. Spread the Word

Help connect those in need with available resources:

• Share food bank information on social media
• Tell neighbors, coworkers, and friends about Manna House
• Post flyers in community spaces
• Mention food assistance when someone is struggling

Many people don't know help is available—your word could be the connection they need.

9. Advocate for Hunger Relief

Use your voice to support policies that address food insecurity:

• Support funding for food assistance programs
• Advocate for living wages
• Encourage affordable housing initiatives
• Speak up for school meal programs

10. Bring Your Family

Volunteering with children teaches lifelong lessons about:

• Compassion and empathy
• Community responsibility
• Gratitude for what we have
• The joy of giving

"My teenage son was required to do community service. After one Saturday at Manna House, he asked to come back. That says everything about this place."

The Ripple Effect of Helping

When you support a food bank, you're not just providing food—you're:

• Reducing stress for struggling families
• Helping parents focus on work and education
• Improving children's health and academic performance
• Strengthening community bonds
• Modeling generosity for others

As Lead Pastor Travis Twyman says, "There is an irony of being filled when you give yourself away." Experience that fullness by supporting your local food bank today.