Hunger is a complex issue that affects millions of people every day, right here at home, and around the world. The good news? It’s not insurmountable. You have the power to make a difference. Here are some practical and impactful ways you can help fight hunger and bring change to those in need:

Understanding the Hunger Crisis

Hunger doesn’t just mean an empty stomach. It can lead to malnutrition, stunted growth in children, and even long-term health issues. According to the World Food Programme, as many as 309 million people across the globe faced acute levels of food insecurity in 2024.

What might surprise you is that hunger isn’t just a problem in underdeveloped countries. Food insecurity is a growing issue right here at home, too. Since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, millions of Americans are facing poverty and hunger.

Here at Philabundance, though, we believe that hunger is a problem with a solution. All it takes is collective effort, and a bit of creativity.

Ways You Can Help Fight Hunger

1. Donating to Local Food Banks

Donating food to a food bank, like Philabundance , is one of the easiest ways to combat hunger directly. We’re always working tirelessly to distribute food to families in need! Look through your pantry for non-perishable items, such as canned vegetables, rice, pasta, or cereal. Better yet, you might want to consider purchasing and donating items that are always in high demand, such as baby formula or gluten-free options.

Alternatively, you can donate financially in lieu of donations of food. Food banks like Philabundance can stretch your dollar further by buying in bulk from suppliers. Donating is easy on our website: simply head on over to our Donate page and enter your information. Even a gift of $5 can provide up to 10 meals to feed the hungry. You can choose between making a one-time donation, or setting up recurring donations.

2. Volunteer Your Time

If you can’t give money or food, you can always donate your time. We welcome volunteers who can help us sort donations, prepare meals, or distribute food. Even just a few hours of your time can make a huge impact.

Volunteering also gives you a deeper understanding of the challenges people face and how our organization operates. It’s also a great way to meet like-minded individuals that are passionate about making a difference. We post volunteer opportunities a month in advance, and you can sign up for a shift.

3. Advocate for Policy Changes

Did you know that government policies play a massive role in food security? You can help fight hunger by advocating for programs that address poverty and provide food assistance.

Start by learning about policies like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the U.S. or international initiatives like the Zero Hunger program by the United Nations. Then, contact your local representatives and urge them to support these efforts.

4. Reduce Food Waste

Here’s a surprising fact: about one-third of all food produced globally is wasted. In the United States alone, some estimates suggest that Americans collectively waste 60 million tons of food each year. That’s enough to feed millions of hungry people!

You can make a difference by simply being more mindful of your own food consumption. You can plan meals to avoid overbuying, store food properly to extend its shelf life, or get creative with leftovers instead of tossing them out.

If you own a business, you might want to consider donating unsold food to organizations like us that will redistribute it to those in need.

5. Educate Yourself and Spread Awareness

Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to fighting hunger. Committing to the cause can be as easy as taking the time to educate yourself about the root causes of hunger, such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. The more you understand these issues, the better equipped you’ll be to take meaningful action.

But don’t stop there! Share what you’ve learned with friends, family, and your social media network. Raising awareness is a powerful tool for inspiring others to join the fight.

6. Join or Host a Fundraiser

Fundraisers that are dedicated to fighting hunger are also a great way to provide food banks, charities, and organizations like Philabundance with the resources that they need. If you know of one in your area, consider working with them or giving money. Fundraisers don’t have to be physical (traditional), either; you can host a virtual fundraiser or food drive, too.

We offer instructions on registering your traditional or virtual food drive or fundraiser on this page.

No action is too small when it comes to fighting hunger. Whether you’re volunteering your time, donating food, or raising awareness, every effort contributes to a world where fewer people go to bed hungry.