Since the economic downturn in 2008, the number of families turning to food pantries to fill their cupboards has risen. In 2012, 6 million households sought food from a pantry at least once during the year, according to the United States Census, up from 4 million households in 2002. As need has grown, so has the demand for volunteer staff.
There are many ways to contribute to a food pantry. Families can either donate food or volunteer to work behind the scenes. Food pantries frequently enlist volunteers to pick up food from regional food banks, sort through donations, stock shelves, and put together sacks of food for families. The variety of chores for volunteers can make food pantries an ideal place for each member of the family – including small children – to find a way that they can contribute.
Families looking for a local pantry to support can check with to area churches, community organizations, and food banks. Many are listed on the searchable website Foodpantries.org.
