While our business revolves around helping brands and retailers create better shopping experiences, we’re acutely aware that a significant number of families in our country can’t afford to go grocery shopping at all. Food insecurity has always been an important issue, but this year has been an especially difficult one for so many people, and the need for help is vital right now.
That why, for our annual Month of Service, InContext has partnered with the Greater Chicago Food Depository to help feed those in need, and to support and promote the Depository’s mission to fight hunger in our community.
Some of the many reasons why this initiative is so important, at this time, in this year:
- More than 50 Million people in the US are facing hunger in 2020
- 1 in 6 children in America do NOT know where their next meal is coming from
- 48% of college students are food insecure
- Over 40% of people who are going to food banks now have NEVER before had to rely on charitable food assistance
Greg Trotter, Assistant Director of Communications at the Food Depository, joined us during a call to explain the significance of getting involved with the organization right now.
“More people than ever before are out of work and in need of help with securing food for themselves and their families,” he said, “But many of our volunteers tend to be older and therefore less able to help this year, and distribution is more difficult with less available drivers and workers.” Additionally, most food banks had moved their distribution outdoors for safety reasons due to COVID, so the winter months are now making that a challenge as well.
Trotter said the most impactful thing anyone can do right now to help the Food Depository is to donate. In the spirit of giving while also keeping our staff safe this year, InContext has created a virtual food drive, with a fundraising goal of $1500–which will be generously matched if we hit that number! We hope with this initiative, we’ll make a difference in the lives of the many people that go hungry in our communities each day.
Please consider donating today! Your support makes an immediate impact to take hunger off the table!
For more information on how you can help fight food insecurity in your community, visit FeedingAmerica.org.
