It’s the time of year where we become focused on big holiday meals, buying and receiving presents. Simultaneously, we become increasingly perceptive that in this excess we are lucky, and others in our neighborhoods might not have these luxuries.

Thank goodness for organizations like the Freestore Foodbank (and others), and the work they do for hungry people in our area. Not only at the holidays but 365 days a year. For me personally, the Freestore is one of my favorite local causes. It’s important for the health of our neighborhoods that all local families are empowered with the ability to feed themselves and their children. And you can help contribute, too!

The Freestore has sent out an email reminding us of what we can do around the holidays (and year round) to help local families in need.

1. Make a gift to the Freestore Foodbank directly.
   You can do this by donating online!
2. Take part in local Freestore events and activities.
   The Freestore website has information about their events, like Hunger Walk, Taste of the NFL and the Rubber Duck Regatta.
3. Volunteer your time at any local food pantry.
   There are food pantries all over the city. Your neighborhood or church may have one, or see our links below.
4. Sign the 1 in 8 is Too Many Pledge.
   1 in 8 people in our area are hungry. (This is higher than the national average of 1 in 10!) Show you understand by signing your name to the pledge.
5. Tell friends and family about the work that’s done at the Freestore Foodbank.
   Learn all about their work online, and be sure to spread the word — maybe at your holiday gatherings or through email.
6. Become a Freestore fan on Facebook.
   Here you can hear about all upcoming events, see photos and stay apprised on Freestore news.

The Freestore says, “as more and more families strive to make it through these tough economic times, we must make sure we can provide them with the food they need to get through this holiday season – and throughout the year. With your help, Freestore Foodbank will distribute 350,000 pounds of food this Thanksgiving! That’s enough to provide 9,900 meals for families in need. This year, we are hoping to provide each hungry household with a box of food, a bag of produce and (depending on family size) a chicken or turkey.”

We had a recent volunteer opportunity that we publicized here on the AmyBSells blog. Read more about it, and how you could join us in the future.

Don’t forget, donating to the Freestore — or any charity that fights hunger — makes a great Christmas gift. Especially for a parent, grandparent, or anyone who has taught you how to be generous!

Other Cincinnati food banks

St. Vincent de Paul

Their website says volunteers are always needed at their Bank Street Food Pantry on some weekday mornings, or for Thanksgiving meal distributions the Sunday before Thanksgiving. You could also help in their retail store or with the holiday Toy Drive.

Manna Outreach

Located in the basement of BLOC Ministries in Price Hill, this emergency food bank serves zip codes 45204, 45205, and 45238.

Reach Out Lakota Food Pantry

Provides food and other services to hungry families in the West Chester and Liberty township area, and one of the only groups to serve this area. This foodbank is currently in desperate need of food to stock its shelves! Read more.

Oakley Community Food Pantry

Open on Tuesdays, this pantry is also looking for food donations.

YWCA – Eastern Area Food Pantry

The YWCA helps people in Clermont County with food an other services.

Related...

• November 18, 2008 -- What YOU can do for Cincinnati