Recognizing National Food Bank Day, Year Round

What is National Food Bank Day?

National Food Bank Day is annually observed the first Friday in September. It raises awareness of food insecurity and highlights the crucial role food banks play in addressing hunger. More importantly, it serves as a call to action for individuals, communities, and businesses to contribute to food banks through donations of food, funds, or volunteer hours.

Why is this Day Important?

Food banks or pantries are non-profit organizations that play a critical role in collecting, storing, and distributing food to those facing food insecurity, due to any number of situations or circumstances. Unfortunately, hunger does not discriminate and impacts millions of Americans. By supporting food banks on this day – or any day, people can help alleviate hunger and improve the lives of those facing various hardships.

How Suburban Propane has helped over the years through SuburbanCares.

Suburban Propane has a long-standing history of supporting the local communities in which we operate. From adults and children who are struggling, to veterans and military families, to those impacted by illness or adversity, Suburban Propane’s SuburbanCares initiatives have fed, stocked, donated, and served people in need across the country.

Here are some of the efforts over the years:

• Teamed up with Sunbury Urban Farm to Provide a Bike Blender for Farm & Forest School Students in Columbus, OH
• Collaborated with Samaritan Center to Provide Meals and Essential Supplies in Syracuse, NY
• Volunteers Served Breakfast to Residents at Veterans Place of Washington Boulevard in Pittsburgh, PA
• Partnered with David’s House to Prepare Snack Packs for Families with Children Receiving Treatment through Dartmouth Health Children’s Hospital in Lebanon, NH
• Partnered with Veterans Bridge Home to Provide Veterans’ Hiring Event and Networking Lunch in Charlotte, NC
• Joined forces with The Guy Fieri Foundation to Feed Over 1,200 New Jersey Veterans in Port Monmouth, NJ
• Suburban Propane & Brilliant Detroit Hosted a “Street Fair” Celebration Complete with Music, Dancing, and Over 300 Donated Meals in Detroit, MI
• Paired up with Mountain Mike’s Pizza to Throw a Pizza Party for 400 at Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma-Marin in Santa Rosa, CA
• Provided Catered Mother’s Day Celebration and Stock the Pantry at Abby’s House in Worcester, MA
• During the pandemic, the SuburbanCares COVID-19 Charitable Giving Program Fed Essential Workers in California, Texas, Florida, New Jersey, New York, Illinois, and the Maryland and Washington D.C. Metro.
• Donated to Harrison Food Bank and Essex Wexford School District in VT
• Hosted Customer Appreciation Day Helps Feed Families and the Community in Columbiana, OH

How to Observe.

National Food Bank Day reminds us of the power of collective efforts in ensuring that everyone has access to food while encouraging people to get involved in the ongoing battle of fighting food insecurity year-round. Here are five ways to help combat hunger:

1. Financial Contributions: Donating money allows organizations to purchase food and supplies that are in demand.
2. Volunteer: From serving meals to packing non-perishable items, or delivering food to those in need, organizations commonly need volunteers throughout the year – not just the holidays.
3. Donate: Explore your neighborhood to identify upcoming food drives, or community pantries and fridges that have gained popularity in recent years to drop off non-perishable foods. Plus, connect with local non-profit organizations to donate specifically the most requested or needed items.
4. Host a Food Drive or Fundraiser: Collaborate with family, friends, or local businesses to accept donations within your community.
5. Hunger Relief Organizations: While staying local has the largest impact on your community, explore organizations nationwide to see where and how you can help.