How to help donate food to those in need this Thanksgiving: What to give, how to volunteer
As families and friends prepare to gather for Thanksgiving dinner, millions of food insecure Americans could use some extra acts of kindness and support this holiday season, particularly those impacted by the delays in SNAP benefits.
More than 47 million people in the U.S. face hunger, including 1 in 5 children, and in 2023 alone, 53 million people relied on charitable food assistance to stay fed, according to Feeding America.
Just in time for the holiday centered around giving and gratitude, chef Kristen Kish helped kick off a new Choose Kind campaign by donating time to help the Youth Empowerment Project, where she met with the community and handed out more than 10,000 bars for after school programs and worked to donate $25,000 to the Emeril Lagasse Foundation.
"Thanksgiving and beyond, I think it's an important thing to always be in practice, not only just showing up for yourself, but those around you and focusing on those small, very impactful moments of kindness that can really just start this ripple effect that goes from your circle all the way out," Kish told ABC News. "Getting to know them and hear their stories puts faces, stories and people into play, which generates this next level heartstring kindness, because now you are experiencing it in real life."
For anyone looking to help those in need get food on the table this Thanksgiving, we've rounded up some of the best ways to contribute and get into the spirit of service.
Where to donate food for Thanksgiving
The first step to donating a Thanksgiving meal to a family facing hunger is finding your local food bank. The Feeding America network includes food banks, food pantries, and soup kitchens across the United States. Once you find a food bank near you, you can find drop-off information, operation hours, and even their most needed items.
Nonperishable Thanksgiving food to donate
Canned and boxed nonperishable goods are a great time to help out local food banks during the busy Thanksgiving season. Plus, those items may be in higher demand throughout the holiday season.
Whether you're grocery shopping in-person or online via your favorite digital retailer or delivery service, collecting any extra items for a local Thanksgiving food drive can make a big impact.
Nonprofits like Feeding America suggest picking up the following foods to donate: boxed stuffing, dried instant mashed potatoes, canned vegetables, dry macaroni or pasta, canned cranberry sauce, and canned pumpkin.
What to avoid donating for Thanksgiving
Food banks must maintain high safety standards with the foods the collect and serve, so those donating should not plan to donate a fresh Thanksgiving turkey or any leftovers from a holiday meal.
The Feeding America network of food banks and food rescue programs works directly with restaurant partners as well as caterers and manufacturers to donate leftover food that is guaranteed to be fresh and safe for families in need.
"While donating fresh fruits and vegetables may seem like a great way to help families put healthy food on the table, it is better to skip donating highly perishable items," Feeding America stated. "Food banks often work with farmers and corporate partners to help bring fresh produce to families before it goes bad."
Other items to avoid donating are food nearing its expiration date, foods very high in fat or sugar.
More ways to help fight food insecurity this Thanksgiving
For those looking to make an additional impact in their community this year, consider hosting a virtual food drive or signing up to volunteer at a local food bank.
The Choose Kind initiative extends through the end of the year and will be another resource for people looking highlight organizations to help on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 2.
