Why the charitable food assistance sector is more essential than ever

Hunger is not just about food, it’s about opportunity, health and dignity.

In a country as wealthy as the United States, it’s hard to imagine that millions of families struggle to put food on the table. But that’s the reality for more than 44 million people, including over 13 million children living in food-insecure households. Right here in southwestern Pennsylvania, more than 320,000 individuals are food insecure, including 1 in 5 children. This isn’t just a moral issue. It’s a crisis with economic, health and social consequences that ripple through every community.

Government programs like SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) are a critical part of the solution, but they weren’t designed to meet the full scale of need. This is where the charitable food assistance sector plays an essential role.

From food banks and pantries to meal programs and grassroots organizations, this network acts as a lifeline. It doesn’t just provide food, but also stability, dignity and hope.

A growing and uneven need
Food insecurity affects people in every county of the United States — urban neighborhoods, rural towns and suburban communities alike. Many families that experience hunger are working households that simply don’t earn enough to keep up with rising housing, food and health care costs.

Others, including seniors, people with disabilities or those affected by job loss or illness, rely on charitable food systems because they don’t qualify for government assistance or face long waits for benefits.
Even before the pandemic, food banks were serving millions. But during COVID, demand skyrocketed, and the charitable food assistance network responded quickly. Organizations restructured their distribution models, mobilized volunteers and dramatically expanded their reach. That ability to scale in a crisis wasn’t a one-time achievement. It showed just how vital, flexible and trusted these groups are.

More than just food
Charitable food assistance does far more than provide calories. Many food distribution programs now offer client-choice models, allowing people to pick items that fit their cultural traditions, dietary needs or personal preferences, just like shopping in a grocery store. This shift gives people control over their choices and restores a sense of normalcy during difficult times.

In addition, food banks often serve as connectors to other essential services including housing help, health care access, workforce programs and financial counseling. Someone who comes for food may leave with the tools to stabilize their life.

This makes food assistance organizations one of the most human-centered support systems in the country. They meet people where they are and help them take the next step forward.

Efficient, sustainable and community-driven
The charitable food system is incredibly efficient. Food banks stretch every dollar through partnerships with farmers, grocers, manufacturers and donors, turning donations into millions of meals.

They also play a key role in reducing food waste. Each year, millions of pounds of perfectly good food would go to landfills if not for food banks rescuing and redistributing it. This reduces environmental harm while feeding people in need.

Food banks bring together volunteers, donors and staff from every background to serve a common purpose. In many areas, food banks are some of the most trusted places where people turn not just for help, but for connection and hope.

Urgent challenges require ongoing support
Despite their importance, food banks face mounting pressures. Inflation and rising food prices since the pandemic have made it harder to buy food in bulk. Supply chain issues have reduced access to consistent inventory. Meanwhile, even though demand is higher than ever, pending federal funding cuts to SNAP and other food assistance programs are on the horizon. The result is a sector under strain. Food banks are doing more with less and that’s not sustainable.

Now more than ever, this sector needs support. Governments must invest in both short-term hunger relief and long-term solutions. Corporations can help by donating funds, food or logistics support. Everyday people can make financial contributions, volunteer, organize food drives and become advocates in their communities.

A call to action
Hunger is not just about food, it’s about opportunity, health and dignity. When a child goes to school hungry, it’s harder to learn. When a senior skips meals to afford medication, their health suffers. And when a parent can’t afford groceries, the resulting stress affects the whole family.
The charitable food assistance sector steps into those moments, not just with a box of food, but with compassion, connection and possibility. It fills the gaps that no one else does. And it reminds us that we are all responsible for ensuring our neighbors are fed and have the resources they need to thrive. You can help by getting involved today. Visit PittsburghFoodBank.org to learn more. PJC

Charla Irwin-Buncher is the chief external affairs officer of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.