Help Feed People This Thanksgiving.

By Marilyn Machlowitz

Every year, the late Joan Rivers (along with her daughter and grandson) delivered Thanksgiving meals to clients of God’s Love We Deliver. While it may be wonderful to receive a festive meal and a warm greeting, imagine how much more fun it was to find a celebrity at your door.

Food insecurity is said to touch thirty-three million people in the US—including nine million children. The causes can include: homelessness; poverty; underemployment; unemployment. Additionally, adults well above the poverty line who are suffering from illness, disabilities or advanced age may be unable to shop for and prepare food, and so may need food services.

Fifty-one per cent of all food programs rely entirely upon volunteers, so there is no shortage of opportunity.

Options: Food banks, Soup kitchens, Food pantries.

• Food Banks. Food banks provide the food soup kitchens and food pantries require. Food banks are nonprofit organizations that collect, store and deliver food to organizations that serve those who do not have enough to eat. Food banks do not usually distribute food to individuals, though they might direct needy individuals to food pantries. Rather, they offer food to organizations working with hungry individuals.

  • Food banks exist in all fifty states, as well as in Washington, DC.

• Soup Kitchens. Soup kitchens generally operate for breakfast or lunch, and offer a hot meal. Many operate in conjunction with houses of worship. Others can be located by contacting a food bank. Soup kitchens get food from food banks, and may obtain supplementary food through donations from bakeries, supermarkets, and restaurants. Some also purchase needed goods.

  • Some soup kitchens are mobile so they can reach those who are homebound or otherwise unable to get to the soup kitchen.

  • Volunteers may do food prep, set up, and clean up, and may serve meals.

    • When I volunteered at a soup kitchen, I would chop vegetables for soup, assemble sandwiches, and pop fruit into to-go bags.

    • Lunch centers for older people operate like soup itchens but are designed to provide social contact as well. Many ask for a contribution of $3-$6 per meal. My sister-in-law volunteers at one weekly. She sets the table, enjoys lunch with the visitors, and clears the table afterwards.

    • Deliveries to homes for older people is another volunteer option. Meals are provided on a sliding scale basis, and deliveries offer a friendly greeting as well as food.

• Food Pantries. Food pantries offer groceries that may be prepared and consumed at home. These, too, may offer mobile services. Some pantries operate by distributing uniform bags of food while others allow choice in more of a shop-like setting. The food is free to those eligible to participate.

  • Food pantries receive shelf stable items as well as perishable food from food banks. Consequently, volunteers at food pantries are often tasked with breaking down bulk boxes into quantities suitable for a family, then packing and distributing the boxes.

To volunteer at a soup kitchen, food bank or meal delivery organization, check online to learn what vetting, video training and dress are required, and to sign up for volunteer shifts. You may volunteer on a one-time or on an ongoing basis. To locate soup kitchens, food pantries, and meal delivery programs near you, check:

• Feeding America

• Meals On Wheels

In NYC, these organizations offer numerous opportunities to volunteer in ways to alleviate hunger:

• Gods Love We Deliver

• New York Cares

Happy Thanksgiving.

Marilyn Machlowitz is an expert on executive search and a novice volunteer.