The GIANT Company’s Post

Hey, did you know that the demand for food at our local food pantries has increased 112% over the last two years?!? #Foodinsecurity is a real problem in our communities. See the article below in The CAP Times with information from WayForward Resources, The River Food Pantry, and other local area food pantries on real statistics and how we can help. #communityimpact https://lnkd.in/gpCgFAAm

In the past five years, our total food collection amounted to around 2 million pounds. However, in the current fiscal year alone, we are on track to exceed that amount. Why? Well to put it simply: we had to collect more because more people need our help than ever before. We're serving 56x more people monthly than any time in our history. And when people need our assistance, we do whatever we can to help. All of the food we rescue from places like Shaw's Supermarkets, Stop & Shop, Chick-fil-A Restaurants, and more is one of the key ways we are able to stock our pantry with fresh protein, fresh produce, and pantry staples. For what we aren't able to rescue, we buy. This allows us to ensure that our pantry is always stocked with culturally relevant and diverse foods that meet the needs of our community. It's no easy task rescuing more than 30,000 pounds of food alone a day and helping nearly 200 people a day access food, clothing, diapers, and other critical necessities. But with a team as small as ours, you do what you have to. Want to help us continue to ensure everyone in our community has what they need? Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/eR6ZFNNn

2023 has been a tough year for many, especially the increasing number of those suffering from food insecurity. That's why this holiday season, Edlong CEO & Owner, Laurette Rondenet is shining a light on companies and organizations making a difference in their communities. Read more to find out how these Food Heroes and our industry, as a whole, can work to make hunger a thing of the past. https://bit.ly/4ah6frv #Edlong #EdlongFlavors #Article #BlogPost #FoodDevelopment #FoodInnovation #FoodInsecurity #FoodHeroes

58-year-old Edwin has been waiting for a heart transplant for three years. He's hoping to get a donor match soon, but in the meantime, Edwin is supposed to eat healthy as possible. Not only is fresh produce hard to access in his community, but Edwin also finds it difficult to afford the food he needs.  With the help of his local food pantry, Edwin doesn't have to worry about healthy food being out of his budget. Instead, he can focus on getting better.   “I know that I will be okay. We’re staying as positive as we can, and this food is doing the job."  Are you in need of FREE food assistance? #LCFB is here to help: 🍎Food pantries near you: http://ow.ly/yOMc50Hy83E 🍎Upcoming food distributions: http://ow.ly/LkRs50Hy83F

Come by The Square on #HungerActionDay (Friday, September 22nd) as we transform the area into a hub of awareness and action against food insecurity in Palm Beach County! We're joining forces to ignite change in collaboration with Related, the Palm Beach County Food Bank, and Trindy Gourmet. What's in Store: Healthy Cooking Demo: Watch and learn as Trindy Gourmet showcases a delicious and healthy recipe – empowering you with the knowledge to make nutritious eating choices. ALICE Simulation: Step into the shoes of an ALICE family and experience firsthand the challenges of choosing between groceries, utilities, and medication. Quiz Challenges: Participate in quizzes that test your knowledge of hunger and food insecurity and stand a chance to win exciting prizes! This is your chance to connect with local resources, discover the real challenges of food insecurity for PBC residents, and take concrete steps toward making a difference for those in need. Show your support by wearing orange, the color of Hunger Action Month, and bringing food to donate to our neighbors in need. 🧡 #HungerActionMonth23

🌱 Fighting the Stigma Around Food Insecurity: Sara's Story of Resilience 🌱 Did you know that one in six Americans is affected by food insecurity? At HelloFresh, we are committed to changing this statistic and ensuring fresh food is available and accessible to anyone in need. That's why we created LimeAid, a program designed to help individuals and families experiencing hardship or lack of food security. LimeAid allows neighbors, friends, or family members to nominate loved ones in need for a chance to win six months of free HelloFresh meals. One inspiring recipient of the LimeAid program is Sara Ariss, a Wisconsin native who unexpectedly faced food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, Sara shared her story on GMA3 to discuss the stigma around food insecurity and how her own struggles inspired her to give back to her community. Despite the challenges she faced, Sara innovated the operations of local food pantries to better serve families like hers. Join us in applauding Sara's resilience and ongoing commitment to fighting food insecurity. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those in need. To read more about Sara's journey, click here: https://lnkd.in/gV9BpQMR #FoodInsecurity #LimeAid #CommunitySupport #HelloFreshImpact

One of the most discussed flaws of the emergency food assistance program is that it is not a systemic solution. We can temporarily alleviate the need, but our efforts do little to improve our clients' long-term food security. When we integrate a food justice lens into this work, it enables us to see the barriers and weaknesses throughout the food system that perpetuate hunger, and opens up opportunities for creativity and innovation in addressing them. This week's post looks at why we need food justice and ways for food pantries to start being better advocates.

Always appreciate conversations and articles about Free Spirit books. These picture books are so important.