Building Impact’s Post

Food shouldn’t be an impossible choice. For more than one million people in Massachusetts, a daily meal isn’t a choice between different dishes—it’s a choice between food and other crucial needs, like medicine, electricity, or childcare. You have a choice. Choose to help end hunger by donating, fundraising, volunteering—or any of the other ideas listed on this bingo card. Try to complete as many actions as possible this month to help end hunger and visit our Hunger Action Month page to learn more: https://lnkd.in/dCgiFaG #FeedingEasternMA #EndHungerHere #HungerActionMonth

It’s #givingtuesday and there will be a lot of competition for your attention (and your dollars) today. At the Northampton Survival Center, we aren’t launching a fancy campaign or making a big end-of-year push for fundraising. Instead, I’m spontaneously writing to tell you this: hunger is an everyday issue and organizations like the Center have to raise funds year-round so that we can provide our neighbors with food year-round. As lovely as it is to have a turkey dinner on Thanksgiving, it’s every bit as important to have a filling breakfast on Friday morning. Hunger doesn’t stop after the holiday rush is over. Kids need lunch on the weekends. Senior citizens need fresh produce at the end of the month when money is tight. Parents who have their kids every other week need to make sure there’s food in the house when the kids are. Hunger is still an issue on Tuesdays and in April and in your neighborhood and across the globe. We all eat. We all need healthy food. What does a client of a food pantry look like? They look like you. They’re young professionals and moms with young kids and working families and elderly widowers. They’re folks with mobility issues and perfectly working bodies and mental health challenges. Most are working. Some are unable to. They mostly live in homes and apartments. Sometimes they’re doubled up or couch surfing or living with friends. Sometimes they’re unhoused. Sometimes they drive expensive-looking cars. Sometimes they don’t have transportation. But if your first thought of someone using our services is of a dirty person living in a box, think again. We combat the stereotypes of homelessness and low-income lifestyles every day by providing our clients with nutritious food in an atmosphere of dignity and respect. This means allowing folks to choose the groceries they’ll eat, rather than providing them with a box of randomly packed groceries. It means making sure the food is good quality and within its date. It means giving out full-sized toiletries whenever possible. It means building relationships with the clients we serve so that we can help them to the best of our ability for as long as they need us. And that’s why, whether you choose to donate money, time, or goods to a nonprofit today, I hope you choose a cause you care about and think about how similar we (nonprofits and people alike) all really are. Donating to a nonprofit is an investment in your community—an investment that, of course, helps whatever population the nonprofit targets, but also helps you. I implore you to make good choices today and support the nonprofits that strengthen our community. If the Northampton Survival Center is on your list, you can make a gift online at https://lnkd.in/eTeeE_vk. And know that I (and our clients) will be incredibly grateful. #foodsecurity #neighborshelpingneighbors #fromtheheart

Watch the video tour of the P.A.C.K. facility! Recently, we had an incredible PACK the Van event at the Isle of Hope, where we got an exclusive tour of the P.A.C.K. warehouse and distribution center, guided by Malena Stone herself! The organization and beauty she has infused into this space are truly breathtaking. For those who appreciate an impeccably organized environment (yes, fellow OCD friends, I'm talking to you!), this place is a dream. The bag-packing area operates with unparalleled efficiency – a model of streamlined operations crucial for packing over 4,300 weekly bags for kids. With 1 in 3 children in Southeast Georgia facing food insecurity, the impact of this efficiency cannot be overstated. Malena explained there are another 2000 kids on the waiting list for these food bags! But there's more to the warehouse than just efficiency; the shop area, thoughtfully designed by Malena, creates an experience akin to shopping in a high-end store for the kids. This beautiful, clean, and welcoming space is where children can select clothes and supplies that would otherwise be unaffordable for them. Additionally, it's here that 'emergency bags' are prepared for kids in urgent need, often with nothing but the clothes on their backs. These emergency bags, akin to overnight bags, are equipped with a change of clothes and essential items to support the children for a day or two.   Words can not do justice to how impressive this place is – you have to see it for yourself. Check out our video for a full tour, and prepare to be amazed! In light of recent budget cuts, they desperately need the support!! (our ingenious politicians have cut 70% of their budget) P.A.C.K. needs our support more than ever to continue their vital work. Every donation makes a difference in combating child hunger in our community. Click the link below to donate NOW, and help us keep making a positive impact! Donate Here → https://bit.ly/PACKTheVAN   #PACKSavannah #CommunityImpact #VolunteeringJoy"

We know it's mid-May but, are you feeling the holiday spirit? We hope so because...⬇️ Many small nonprofits receive most of their support during the holiday season. One such example is Care for Real, a 54-year-old food pantry on the Northside of Chicago, where Better Magazine contributor Jen Kouba works. While December and January are certainly the most joyous times to be a fund-raiser, she says, "food insecurity doesn't have a season." The needs of the individuals and communities who benefit from non-profits like Care for Real persist all year long. What are some ways you can continue your response to systemic problem like hunger throughout the year? ✨ Volunteer a few times a year at a food pantry like Care for Real. ✨ Host a collection drive in the spring or summer ✨ Become a monthly donor to sustain local food programs. Check out Jen's full article here https://lnkd.in/e-A9GWVi to learn more about Care for Real and further expand your advocacy throughout the whole year. After all, 'tis the season (to #makeitbetter)! Are you finding ways to #getconnected this season? Share your opportunities in the comments below! #nonprofit #philanthropy #makeitbetter #yousaidit #bettermakers #betterhumanservices

Last week, Alton’s New York office took part in our Pledge 1% volunteer day initiative, once again teaming up with West Side Campaign Against Hunger (WSCAH) in Manhattan to help alleviate hunger in the city.    WSCAH’s crucial work ensures all New Yorkers have access with dignity to a choice of healthy food and support services. In support of the organization’s community-focused mission, the Alton team helped prepare 1,490 bags of fresh or shelf-stable food to serve more than 600 families in New York.     Each year Alton supports Pledge 1% https://lnkd.in/eW_ANjH, where we not only donate 1% of our revenue, but also 1% of our time to charitable causes.       Please join us in helping West Side Campaign Against Hunger with its impactful work by donating here: https://lnkd.in/d3eDAKJ   #community #socialresponsibility #corporatecitizenship #givingback #WSCAH #Pledge1%

The holidays are a time for most of us to reflect on our many blessings. But, for our food-insecure neighbors, this is a challenging and stressful time. Our friends at Loaves & Fishes help to ease this burden. During the last few months of renovating of their space, we have learned how efficient and effective their operation is. Loaves & Fishes serve between 450-500 households each week with free groceries. Last year, they distributed more than 1.8 million pounds of food to more than 67,00 pantry visitors -- almost 1/3 of those served were children! Can you support Loaves & Fishes with a donation or an afternoon spent volunteering? Learn more about their mission, work, and operating hours online: https://loom.ly/4MkzA8U

 😍 JOIN US TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE! We have a fantastic opportunity to come together and combat hunger in our community. You can contribute in three meaningful ways:  DONATE NON-PERISHABLE FOOD: Your generous donations of non-perishable food can be dropped off at either United in Faith (Fellowship Hall) or St. Cyprian's Food Pantry. These vital supplies will help us provide nourishment to those in need.  SUPPORT WITH MONEY: Monetary donations play a crucial role in our mission's success. With your financial support, we can buy larger quantities of food from the Greater Chicago Food Depository at more affordable prices, maximizing the impact of every dollar.  VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME: We are looking for dedicated volunteers to join us on Mondays and Thursdays during food distribution days. Additionally, on most Wednesday mornings, we need help receiving and sorting food items from the Food Depository, ensuring they are organized and ready for distribution. Your involvement, whether through donations or volunteering, will make a significant difference in the lives of those struggling with food insecurity. Together, let's create a ripple of positive change and ensure that nobody in our community goes hungry. For more information on large food donations or to inquire about perishable food items, please contact St. Cyprian directly. Join us in this meaningful cause! #FightHunger #CommunitySupport #VolunteerOpportunity #MakeADifference #TogetherWeCanHelp

Rural counties, like the ones that comprise most of our 16-county service area in Southeast Missouri have some of the highest rates of food insecurity across the country. Rural communities make up 63% of all U.S counties, but 87% of counties with the highest food insecurity rates. But working together, we can all join together to end hunger. Every action ― big or small ― is one step closer to an America where no one is hungry. This September, during #HungerActionMonth, join the movement to end hunger by volunteering, donating or advocating: https://buff.ly/2TEjNsT