by Sophia Pascoal
While food insecurity is a year-round issue, the holiday season proves to be especially challenging for many families and individuals yearning to maintain cherished traditions while struggling to meet their families’ basic needs. Fortunately, there are many people committed to providing everyone with a holiday meal this Thanksgiving.
Last November, the Merrimack Valley Food Bank (MVFB) worked alongside their community and collected over 24 thousand pounds of food from food drives alone. This, as well as their six hunger relief programs, helped serve more than 82 thousand individuals in Greater Lowell that month. And they plan to do the same this year—with your help.
As the demand for food assistance increases during the next two months, each and every contribution is valuable. It can be as simple as making a monetary donation online or hosting your own food drive. Whether in a group or individually, everyone can make a difference.
A food drive is an event in which nonperishable food items are collected. This includes canned fruits and vegetables, soup, oatmeal, cereal, and much more. These items are then distributed to food pantries and meals programs, keeping their shelves stocked and communities fed.
MVFB is an impactful organization to consider when hosting a food drive. Their large network of member agencies in 32 cities and towns guarantees that your donated items reach those in need across Middlesex and Essex counties. From soup kitchens and food pantries to homeless shelters and schools, these agencies depend on MVFB for resources to feed their communities.
Likewise, clients of MVFB’s direct hunger relief programs depend on them as well. Your donated items will feed children and teens on the weekends and holidays when they aren’t receiving school meals. They will feed the homebound and/or individuals with disabilities who are unable to visit a pantry.
Food drives bring about an invaluable sense of relief for more people than one may think. “Mothers and fathers worry less about how they will feed their children,” shares Executive Director Debbie Callery. “Seniors don’t have to choose between purchasing medication, keeping their heat on, or purchasing food.”
Although nonperishable foods are essential to food drives, MVFB also encourages both fresh and frozen turkey donations for Thanksgiving. Over two thousand were given out last November, nourishing countless families while upholding tradition.
Supermarket gift cards are also accepted, as an entire turkey may be impractical for certain households. Gift cards allow them to purchase a meal of their choice and still celebrate the holiday.
“Your donation to the food bank provides more than just a meal,” says Callery. “It eases the burden on people in need, those simply trying to get by. Your donation impacts the community at large.”
This Thanksgiving let’s turn gratitude into action. Whether through financial gifts or food contributions, we can all help ensure that everyone in our community has a happy and healthy holiday season and food for ordinary days as well.
Learn more or make a donation at www.mvfb.org. If you’re planning to host a food drive, MVFB will gladly help with promotion. Call 978-454-7272, or email their Community Relations Coordinator, Laurie, at lmcanespie@mvfb.org.
