I recently wrote about ways to get a regular supply of food during the coronavirus pandemic. Shortages continue, delivery slots are difficult to come by, and suppliers’ ability to keep up with demand are just a few of the challenges. At the same time, the shocking amount of food waste that’s occurring is unconscionable and horrifying. Complaints notwithstanding, those of us who are managing–one way or another–to keep our refrigerators and cupboards stocked are incredibly fortunate. We’re the lucky ones.
What can we do to help those who are not as fortunate? Many organizations and individuals are focused on feeding those in need. They’re desperate for help and cannot wait until later in the year which is when many people typically give. We’re overhauling many habits to adapt to these times. Our philanthropy needs to adapt too. Anyone who is able to give, NOW is the time.
May 5 has been designated as the date for #GivingTuesdayNow. It’s a global call for response to the coronavirus emergency. Give now, give then, and give again later if you can.
Here are a few suggestions from among many worthy organizations. These are mostly in my hometown area of Boston, but similar programs exist elsewhere. Explore options in your local community.
- Off Their Plate provides relief to the front line. Chefs Tracy Chang and Ken Oringer joined forces to feed healthcare workers and first responders while also providing economic relief to their employees. The creative model has spread to other cities.
- Food for Free diverts food that would otherwise go to waste and delivers it to vulnerable members of the community.
- Boston Area Gleaners rescues surplus perishables and distributes them to agencies providing relief to hungry families.
- Greater Boston Food Bank aims to end hunger in Eastern Massachusetts and is one of the largest hunger-relief organizations in the United States.
- Future Chefs supports young people in underserved communities to find employment and develop skills needed to thrive in any career choice.
- No Kid Hungry is a national organization that provides emergency funding to feed children in hard-hit communities.
No matter what you give, rest assured that it will be appreciated. If you are in a position to help, then it’s not just your stomach that’s content. Your heart will be full too.
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Finding Healthy & Local Food to Help Us Thrive in the New Normal
9 comments. Leave new
Thank you, Marjorie! Wise and helpful, as always.
hi Marjorie, Thank you for wonderful inspiration whether it be travel, markets, seasonal produce or just taking stock of how lucky we are. And we are. From Western Australia, thank you for the joy you always spread. Our warmest good wishes,
Glenda Hubble
What a nice message! Thank you for the kind feedback. I really appreciate it. Sending my best wishes to you over the many miles between us. Be well.
Right, Marla, redirecting the restaurant and institutional food supply chain with its different packaging and larger sizing to meet the growing charity need is critical. Let’s hope that the better minds seeking to solve the problem are successful soon. Meanwhile, right, Marjorie, our giving is the best solution for the time being,
Thanks for weighing in, Neil. Always helpful to learn your perspective.
Thanks, Majorie. This is helpful.
Thanks for your feedback and for recently signing up to receive posts.
Thanks, Marjorie, for this thorough list. I’m afraid the problem of a mismatched market – food rotting in fields, and people going hungry — is going to get worse before it gets better. Thankfully many people now are working on the issue. Your list will help each of us play a role in getting food to people who need it.
Today’s news about animals being killed and discarded because of problems in the meatpacking industry prove your point. So many interconnected issues that are amplifying each other and contributing to havoc and hunger. Thanks for all the good work that you are doing to help people. (Readers, check out Good News from the Resistance.)