When the economy is down those in need feel the effects more than others. Those that depend on charity may be turned away due to shortage of supplies. This year, food pantries across America are struggling to feed those in need. Not only has the number of people in need grown due to a rise in unemployment, but fewer people are able to donate this year. Thankfully, there are things you can do. Here are just a few ways to help local food pantries.

Take Advantage of Sales

One great way to help local food pantries is search sales papers for the best deals. Obviously, you want to shop for non-perishable items, such as canned food, that can be stored for long periods of time. Grocery stores often have sales on these items and you can purchase them by the case. For example, you may find a case of canned beans for $12 one week and a case of canned corn for $8 the next week.

Clear Out Your Pantry

A lot of people clear out their pantries during the holiday season to make room for holiday cooking ingredients. Instead of throwing this food out, donate it. Food pantries will take most pantry items as long as they are unopened and in date. Quickly check the items as you remove them from the cabinet and box up those that can be of use to the food pantry.

Start a Food Drive

It doesn’t matter if it’s in your office or you ask to setup in the parking lot of a local grocery store. Either way, a food drive can be a great way to gather a lot of food. Even in small towns, the amount can add up quickly. For example, let’s say 100 people donate five cans of food. That’s 500 cans, which can go a long ways in helping feed the community.

Get Businesses Involved

There are a number of ways businesses can help out, but one of the most popular methods is to visit local grocery stores and ask for donations. The store can either donate food or gift certificates. You may even want to visit all the stores in the area and comment on how other stores helped out. The donation makes good publicity for the business and that’s why you shouldn’t have any trouble at all getting businesses to make donations.

The past few years have been rough and charities have felt it worse than others and families in need find themselves turning to lenders just to put food on the table. People simply don’t have the money to give and the number of those in need increases daily. Thankfully, it isn’t hard to help food pantries get the supplies they need to feed those less fortunate. Not sure where to donate? Do a quick Google search for “food pantries” in your area. You’ll definitely find more groups in need that you’re likely to have anticipated.

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