How to Support Food Banks During the Coronavirus Pandemic

An accomplished entrepreneur, Steve Verschoor is the head of sales at GTSP Global, a solar power manufacturing company that he co-founded. Besides his professional endeavors, Steve Verschoor and his wife volunteer to support foodbanks around the Boise, Idaho area.

Foodbanks have played a major role during the COVID-19 pandemic as they have provided essential food supplies and resources to people in need. Job losses, unreliable work, and increased childcare commitments have pushed many families to get help from food bank facilities which are now overstretched as a result of a surging number of people and strain on their resources. Supporting your local food bank is a great way you can help.

For starters, find out what your local food bank needs as they often post this information on their online resources. Items in demand include food supplies, toiletries, sanitary, and cleaning products. Besides buying supplies and donating them, foodbanks also rely on volunteers to help them distribute supplies.

Other ways to assist include giving in memory where you can donate to a food bank as a way to celebrate the memory of a loved one or asking your friends and family to make a charitable donation instead of bringing presents at a birthday, anniversary, or wedding. In addition, you can donate in-kind, such as providing roadworthy vehicles, office space, and equipment to help foodbanks substantially reduce their operational costs. Some volunteers also provide legal and financial help.