Five Things You Can Do Right Now for Your Community

For many of us, these days are terribly challenging, working on the front lines or caring for a loved one or struggling with unemployment or, maybe, even sick ourselves. 

For others, we have a different kind of challenge, one that makes us feel powerless in the face of COVID-19. We stay in isolation, wanting to do our best to help the situation, but wish there was more we could do. 

In fact, there is.  I say this as the head of the Stop Hunger Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that supports efforts to combat hunger. I can tell you that there is always need in our community, but now, it’s far greater.

Here are five things you can do to help our communities stay strong in the face of the pandemic

Here are five things you can do to help our communities stay strong in the face of the pandemic:

• Contact your local food bank. For a list of food banks, visit Feeding America's website.  Right now, food banks are struggling with funding and volunteers. Food banks can offer a variety of ways that you can help or direct you to other locations within the community that need additional support.  
• Keep youth and elderly top of mind. Call your relatives, friends and neighbors that are elderly or those considered high-risk to make sure they’re ok. Consider making a grocery store run to support their needs.
• Help assemble emergency food packs. With demands for food continuing to rise, many non-profit organizations need help assembling emergency food packs filled with shelf-stable healthy foods. Call your local school district, food pantry, soup kitchen, homeless shelter or religious organization and ask where help is needed. 
• Assist with fundraising efforts. If you are in a position to donate financially, consider doing so to your local food bank directly or making a one-time donation to the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation where 100% of the donation will support nonprofit organizations that are helping to ensure our communities thrive during this difficult time. 
•  Share positive stories about “heroes.” Along with healthcare workers, we have many people who are working around the clock to make sure no one in the community goes hungry. Share stories with the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation at https://www.facebook.com/SodexoStopHunger.

We will get through this time. We get through it together.