Many ask us the best way to support food banks during Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and other holidays. Regardless of the holidays you observe in November and December, it is a wonderful time to remember those who are less fortunate. Food is one of our most basic needs as humans, but unfortunately, many people in our community struggle to access nutritious food. While the need for food assistance lasts all year long, many people remember to support their local food bank during the November and December holidays. Here are just a few ways you can help.

Donate to Your Local Food Bank

Many people decide to clean out their pantries and donate old items to food banks, and as long as the food is safe to eat, most food banks are happy to accept whatever can be provided. However, people might not realize that making a cash donation can go much farther than donating food items, and the financial donation may allow the food bank to distribute healthier food than what typically comes in a can.

Make a One-Time Donation

Because food banks receive donations from farmers, growers, wholesalers, distributors and other large-quantity food donations, and because of generous volunteers who provide hours to food banks for free, just $1 can provide up to 4 meals. That means that instead of buying $5 worth of canned goods, a $5 cash donation can help organizations like the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank provide 20 nutritious meals, often consisting of fresh produce, frozen meats and other non-perishable pantry items.

• Donate Now >

Join the Monthly Giving Program

People who can afford it eat three meals per day, but many people facing hunger in our community skip meals to make ends meet. This is a tragedy that happens all year long, November and December are when fighting hunger is on people’s minds. The monthly giving program helps people access critical food assistance all year long, and just $23 helps provide a year’s worth of food to someone in need.

• Donate Monthly >

See if Your Employer Will Help You Donate Time or Money

Many employers match financial donations, which means that your gift instantly doubles in impact! Check our website for tips on how to check on employer matching opportunities. Some employers also provide volunteer days where you can take time out of the office to serve your community.

Donate Stock… or Cars!

Many people don’t realize that there are some unique ways to donate to the LA Regional Food Bank. Our “other ways to give” page describes these opportunities.

• Donate Stock: One of the most efficient and tax beneficial ways to make an impactful gift to the Food Bank is to make a gift of stock.
• Donate a Car: Not sure what to do with your old vehicle? Donate it to the Food Bank and we’ll take care of everything!

Start a Fundraiser

Any little bit helps the Food Bank work toward the realization of our vision: that no one goes hungry in LA County. However, some people don’t feel that they can make as large of a contribution as they hope, so a Team #WeFeedLA fundraiser is the perfect solution. By banding together with friends, family, colleagues and others, you can join forces to raise funds and make an immediate impact in your community.

• Start a Team WeFeedLA fundraiser >

Volunteer at the LA Regional Food Bank

The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank has between 15,000 and 30,000 volunteers each year, which is the equivalent of more than 75 employees! Volunteers sort, glean, package or distribute food, and a variety of times are available. 

• Volunteer at the LA Regional Food Bank >

Help Us Tell the Story of the Food Bank

If you don’t have the funds or the time to help this holiday season, another way to support your local food bank is to help to tell the story of those who are in need. In LA County, there are millions of people who struggle to access nutritious food, and each one of them has a valuable story, including the plethora of people who are brand new to food insecurity after the COVID-19 outbreak. 

• Read our Stories >
• Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube >