How These 11 Young People Are Fighting Food Insecurity Amid COVID-19

Date Published: February 18, 2021

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 Ava, 18

“When I became aware of the growing crisis of food insecurity, I decided that I needed to help. I made flyers and put them in every mailbox in my neighborhood asking for food donations. A week later, I returned to pick up the food, and my neighbors responded so generously by donating multiple bags or even large bins of food. When my mom and I brought the food to the pantry, the volunteers were so grateful for the donation. They told us that there are so many more families experiencing food insecurity this year and many are dependent on food pantry resources for the first time in their lives. I later learned that my food drive totaled 404 pounds! This experience has reinforced my belief that most people care and want to help others. Doing something, no matter how small, can chip away at the needs of so many. The efforts of a few people can make a big impact.”

6) DoSomething member Demares, 24

“There is plenty of food in the world to feed every human being. World hunger is not [because of a] lack of food but rather lack of distribution to those that need it. I admire this campaign as it raises awareness about [the] food inequality crisis. I enjoyed this opportunity to make a small difference in this world.”

7) DoSomething member Katy, 18

“[G]rowing up in South Central Los Angeles, I have seen how people are very thankful when people donate food cans to stop hunger. Has helped my family and my community in hard times. I want to help in any way in my community.”

8) 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.”

9) DoSomething member Angelina, 15

“This campaign is important to me because hunger and starvation is an ongoing problem across the world, and I care for the nourishment of others. To me it is extremely crucial to acknowledge the struggles and obstacles others are facing. Therefore, if I have the ability to lend a hand to those in need, I am all for it. I believe that no one should suffer from hunger, especially since in certain places food is gone to waste. There are many people and children who are starving because of financial problems, the dreadful pandemic, and so many more reasons. By participating in this campaign I feel like I am just taking small steps in hopefully helping someone who has been wanting food for their family.”

10) DoSomething member Ethan, 18

“My family has donated to the church and food pantry before and I have volunteered by mainly unloading and loading for them. This year [our church] stepped up even more when COVID hit our area and schools went online and people became unemployed… this helped our community through some tough times. I feel this community has taught me to pay forward and give to others. I hope with going to college I will be able continue to help others.”

11) 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.”