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Hey, Boosters.

Facing increased unemployment and isolation as a result of COVID-19, millions more Americans are facing “food insecurity,” which means their household cannot provide enough food for every person to live an active, healthy life. This issue is especially impacting Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and immigrant households, who are at least twice as likely as white families to report that their households did not get enough to eat.

So members like you decided to Do Something about it. Below, meet some of the incredible members who have helped collect over 130,989 food items since January. Then learn how you can make an impact too.

Let’s Do This,
Ben, Editor-in-chief

How These 6 Young People Are Fighting Food Insecurity Amid COVID-19

DoSomething members across the country are tackling hunger in their local communities.

Facing increased unemployment and isolation as a result of COVID-19, millions more Americans are facing “food insecurity,” which means their household cannot provide enough food for every person to live an active, healthy life. Most recently, this week’s power crisis amidst the winter storms in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas have left even more vulnerable people without enough food.

With local food banks urgently needing donations, DoSomething members from across the country have stepped up by collecting and donating over 130,000 non-perishable food items (and counting) through DoSomething’s Tackle Hunger campaign.

From running physically distanced food drives to growing gardens to raising money to purchase food, here are just 11 of the amazing young people who are supporting their local communities in the fight against food insecurity.

1) DoSomething member Alexa, 17

“Tackling hunger is something that is very important to me because I believe that everyone should have someone looking out for them, if they know the person or not. Due to COVID the number of food shortages have grown large and it is important to me that those who aren't going through such a rough time try to help out and give to those who are not as fortunate.”

2) DoSomething member Isabella, 17

“During my sophomore year, I started this garden. I grow food for the local food pantries around my community. On this day I spent three hours harvesting and weeding the garden. I have spent [a total] of 100 hours working on this garden and feeding the poor in my community because it is so important to me.”

3) DoSomething member Harrinee, 18

“During quarantine, I wanted to do something to help my community. I knew that COVID-19 had only exacerbated problems of food insecurity. I considered ways in which people could give and take food without having to physically approach each other. I envisioned a small wooden shelf perched on two posts; people could donate and take food and other items as needed, any hour of the day, any day of the week, especially those struggling to meet everyday necessities. When I proposed my idea to the members of Bradley Gardens Community Church, something remarkable happened. Before I had even concluded, they eagerly volunteered to pitch in. The enthusiasm was palpable. I felt a rush of adrenaline―knowing that with a powerful support system behind me, this vision would become reality. And it did!”

4) DoSomething member Cade, 17

“For several years I have volunteered at North Fulton Community Charities and one of their main functions is to support an area food bank. Because I have worked there, I receive notifications when they are short on food and have great need. After the holidays the food bank was low, so I knew it would be my opportunity to help. I asked for money donations from my neighbors and then purchased the food on the need list to donate. This is important to me because I know I am helping those in my community that need help.”

5) DoSomething member Grace, 18

“As president of the Habitat for Humanity club at my school, I felt I had the opportunity and responsibility to take action when the pandemic impacted my community. Habitat for Humanity is a club where members help build houses for low-income families and design events to support those in need. The club advisor and I brainstormed ways in which we could assist local families. I lead the charge to help organize a food drive. While we followed social distance rules, this event helped raise awareness, connect community members, and resulted in a tremendous turnout.”

6) DoSomething member Jiang, 21

“[T]his is the first time I donated food since I grew up. I went to three different stores to buy food. I hope my efforts can help some people who may need them. When I donated, I felt joy and happiness in my heart. This is truly an unforgettable and valuable experience, and I will continue to volunteer to help my community.”

Tackle Hunger With the DoSomething Community

Use our guide to collect the most-needed items and use our location finder to see food banks in your area. Let’s Do This.

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