Volunteer at a food bank

Approximately 14 percent of Americans are in poverty and they rely heavily on food banks and pantries. Donations are desperately needed to keep food pantries and food banks stocked for the 46 million Americans who depend on them.

According to Natural News, Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, provides 200 food banks and 60,000 additional food pantries across the United States. The food banks distribute food to pantries that are more accessible to local residents.

In 2015, Feeding America conducted a study that revealed 13.1 million children were food insecure, which is the inability to obtain a sufficient amount of nutritious food. Malnutrition in adolescents can lead to permanent physical and mental damage including poor immune function, osteoporosis, and eating disorders.

Children are not the only ones suffering from hunger. Statistics show 1 in 5 food insecure households accommodate a war veteran. Former soldiers should not have to fight hunger after fighting for our country.

Senior citizens also struggle to afford basic necessities. Elderly Americans susceptible to illness should not have to choose between buying groceries or medication to survive.

The season of giving should not end after the holidays. Volunteering at a food pantry, participating in a food drive, or donating a few dollars to a food bank can supply meals for people who are less fortunate.

Emily Snyder, Sherrill