Feeding our Community During the Holidays

As it turns chilly and the holiday spirit begins to fill the air, we’re reminded that as we gather to celebrate with feasts and festivities, not everyone is fortunate enough to enjoy the same abundance. Many in our community struggle every day, and particularly during the holiday season, to put plentiful and nutritious food on their table.

Hunger in the US:

The poverty rate among children more than doubled in the United States last year according to the US Census Bureau. This at a time when over 49 million people turned to food programs due to economic hardship because of changes in federal nutritional program funding, loss of employment, or an unexpected illness. These are staggering and disturbing statistics occurring within every county across the country.

You’re not alone if you’ve been touched by the stark reality of food insecurity. Perhaps you’ve heard stories from friends, family, or colleagues about their experiences, or maybe you’ve even faced such challenges yourself. It’s a heart-wrenching situation that affects millions of our neighbors across the country.

How to Give Back this Holiday Season:

As we approach the holidays, we’re reminded that our actions have the power to shape the lives of those around us. Each contribution towards the fight against hunger, no matter how big or small, helps ensure our neighbors can all experience the warmth of nourishing meals every day, not just during the holidays.

We invite you to give back to your community in any one of three ways this holiday season:

• Donate Your Time: One of the most impactful ways to contribute is by volunteering with a local pantry or PORCH volunteer effort. If there isn’t a presence in your community yet, consider starting one. The act of giving your time not only helps collect and distribute food, but also fosters a sense of togetherness and solidarity that’s invaluable for building a strong community.
• Donate In Kind: PORCH monthly food collections provide a straightforward way to make a consistent impact. By leaving a bag of non-perishables on your front porch, you’re ensuring that a family in need will have access to essential sustenance on an ongoing basis. It’s a small action that can collectively lead to significant change.
• Donate Financially: If you’re looking to make a financial contribution, consider donating to provide gift cards for meats, fresh fruits, and vegetables. A cash donation goes a long way in helping families supplement specific dietary or culture foods, and access more nutritious foods that are often out of reach due to financial constraints.

Nurturing Hope and Sustainability:

Since its inception in 2010, PORCH has helped thousands of families facing food insecurity. Our monthly collection model is simple, proven, and repeatable. By getting involved with PORCH, you can play a vital role in supplying local pantries and members of your community with nutritious, culturally relevant foods. Neighbors helping neighbors helps ensure no one goes to bed hungry.

In this season of abundance and togetherness, we have the power to make a consistent and sustainable impact on the lives of our neighbors facing food insecurity. Please join us in the fight against hunger by volunteering your time, making in-kind donations, or providing crucial financial support to PORCH. Every action counts, and your support can help fill empty plates not just during the holidays, but throughout the year. 

Happy Holidays,

Your friends at PORCH Communities

P.S. We invite you to learn more about the impact PORCH has in the fight against hunger by reading our 2022 Impact Report.