Giving Back This Holiday Season: How You Can Help Neighbors Facing Hunger

The holidays are a time of giving, togetherness, and reflection. At the Food Bank of South Jersey, we believe in the power of community and the impact we can make when we come together to support one another.

This season, we invite you to join us in giving back – whether through volunteering your time at a local food pantry or making a donation to help neighbors in need. Here’s how you can get involved and make a difference.

Give from Home

With the holidays upon us, the need for support is greater than ever. Give back from the comfort of your home:

Host a virtual fundraiser: Rally your friends and family to contribute to a virtual food drive. Funds raised help us purchase and distribute nutritious food more efficiently.
Spread joy: Write thank-you notes to volunteers or create gratitude journals with your children to emphasize the spirit of giving this season.
Create care packages: Assemble and donate care packages with essential pantry items like canned goods, pasta, and snacks, and deliver them to local pantries.
Donate gift cards: Purchase grocery store or meal delivery gift cards to support families in accessing food directly.
Raise awareness: Share posts about the Food Bank of South Jersey on social media to inspire your network to get involved.
DIY Fundraiser: Host a virtual cooking or baking class with friends and donate the proceeds to support hunger relief efforts.

Make a Financial Gift

Your financial support is one of the most impactful ways to give back. Every dollar donated helps us provide two nourishing meals to families, children, and seniors throughout South Jersey. This holiday season, your gift can bring hope to those facing hunger. Consider setting up a one-time or recurring donation to sustain our mission year-round. Visit foodbanksj.org/give to get started.

Volunteer Your Time at One of Our Partners

Our pantry partners are at the heart of distributing food to neighbors, and they are often facilitated by a team of dedicated volunteers. Volunteering onsite at these locations is a meaningful way to give back while spending quality time with your coworkers or friends.

Use our Zip Code Locator to find a partner site near you, and reach out to them directly to see if they need volunteer assistance this holiday season and into the new year.

Here are some of the ways you may be asked to lend a hand:

Distribute food to neighbors: Help pack and hand out food boxes at our pantries or mobile distributions. Volunteers assist with check-in, answering questions, item dispersal, and ensuring an overall smooth experience.

Assist with holiday meal programs: From packing meal kits to helping with carry-out holiday meal services, there are plenty of ways to share holiday cheer with neighbors in need.
Sort and assemble donations: Support our pantry partners by sorting food donations and preparing bags and boxes filled with canned goods, produce, and other essentials.
Deliver meals: Volunteer drivers deliver ready-to-eat meals or meal kits to seniors and individuals facing barriers to accessing food.
Other tasks: From restocking shelves to directing traffic at distributions, every role matters in keeping operations running smoothly.

Keep the Giving Spirit Alive All Year

While the holidays shine a spotlight on giving, hunger is a year-round issue. Why not make giving back a family tradition? By donating or volunteering throughout the year, you can help ensure no one in our community goes hungry.

Together, we can make this holiday season brighter for everyone in South Jersey. Join us in spreading hope and nourishing our neighbors.