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Ways to Help Food Banks on National Food Bank Day 

Do you want ways to help a food bank on National Food Bank Day? You aren’t alone.  

A large truck with images of fruits, vegetables, and smiling people is parked in a lot showing Ways to Help Food Banks on National Food Bank Day . In the foreground, bundles of leafy greens are stacked, ready for distribution. The truck reads, Providing hope, one helping at a time.

Each year, National Food Bank Day reminds us of the critical role food banks play in fighting hunger. This year, the need is greater than ever.  

Across our 46-county service area, 100,000 more people are food insecure than in 2019. Families are struggling to put food on the table at a time when federal programs are being cut back. 

In just the past year, we’ve seen a 10% increase in food insecurity, including a 43% rise in Davidson County alone. At the same time, cuts to SNAP and federal food programs mean fewer resources are available. 

For example, TEFAP reductions resulted in 4 million fewer pounds of food—about 100 truckloads—in just one year. SNAP changes also threaten  to cut 300 million meals in Tennessee over the next decade. 

When food and funding decline while demand surges, your support becomes even more powerful. 

Here are simple yet impactful ways you can join the fight against hunger: 

  1. Donate Funds 
    Every dollar stretches further at the food bank. Financial donations allow us to purchase in bulk and fill gaps caused by federal cuts. 
  1. Give Food 
    Non-perishable donations and community food drives help stock shelves with essentials for families in need. 
  1. Volunteer Your Time 
    From sorting food in our warehouse to distributing meals at Mobile Pantries, volunteers make our mission possible. 
  1. Advocate and Spread Awareness 
    Share facts about hunger and policy changes. Your voice helps neighbors understand how deeply programs like SNAP affect our community. 
  1. Partner Locally 
    Encourage schools, businesses, and faith groups to host drives, sponsor distributions, or create team volunteer days. 

This National Food Bank Day, your actions—big or small—can help families weather these challenges. When you give, volunteer, or advocate, you provide more than food. You provide hope, stability, and the promise of a better tomorrow. 

Donate today or sign up to volunteer with Second Harvest. Together, we can ensure no neighbor has to face hunger alone.