The Struggle for Holiday Spirit in the Face of Financial Burden
As the holiday season approaches, families across the country are facing a particularly steep financial burden. The cost of food has surged in recent years, putting a strain on families trying to put together a holiday meal.
According to Feeding America, more people turn to food banks when food prices go up—and the holidays are no exception. Higher prices for staples like poultry and produce place an added burden on public and charitable food systems, even as demand from families who are already stretched thin grows. The holiday season can become a time of anxiety, not joy, for households that are food insecure.
What’s driving the rise in food insecurity? Part of it is inflation, but it is also tied to the rollback of pandemic-era supporters. According to Bread for the World, the expiration of expanded Child Tax Credit payments, coupled with rising food prices, has contributed to a worsening food insecurity situation for many families. As assistance programs recede, those extra costs don’t just affect holiday gift spending—they cut into the basics, like food.
For children in food-insecure households, the holiday season can magnify stress and instability. Inflation doesn’t just raise the cost of a holiday dinner—it changes how families experience the season. When every dollar is stretched, some parents may skip meals themselves so their kids can eat, and families may also reduce the joy of gift-giving to make ends meet. The rising cost of both food and presents turns a time that’s supposed to be festive into yet another reminder of economic hardship—and for many children, the holiday doesn’t feel like something to celebrate.
Our goal is to provide every child with the holiday they deserve. With programs like Birdie Bags and A Very Merry Dinner, we are offering children and families the chance to experience a festive and joyful holiday season. Our Birdie Bags also provide relief for food-insecure children during their winter break from school. With the help of our community partners and volunteers, we aim to support families in our communities by providing them with a resource for a joyful holiday experience. Every child deserves to feel the magic of the holidays, and with your support, we can help make that experience a reality.
Here are ideas on how you can help your community this holiday season:
- Donate – During the holidays, many foundations and stores participate in “Giving Trees,” which provide you with an opportunity to purchase and donate wishlist items for children in need. You can also make a monetary donation to foundations that help support the children and families in your community.
- Volunteer – Donating money is not the only way to make a difference. Volunteering your time to a local charity or foundation can make a significant difference.
- Raise Awareness in Your Community – Sharing volunteer opportunities with your friends, family, and coworkers can be a great way to spread the word about the importance of addressing holiday hunger and food insecurity.
To get involved as a volunteer, please visit: https://www.bencurtisfoundation.org/how-to-help/volunteer/
To donate, please visit: https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E341709&id=1
Become a Champion
Do you want to get involved in the fight against the childhood hunger in Northeast Ohio?
Get in touch with our team. We are always in need of volunteers, donors, sponsors and community partners to help us fulfill our mission of alleviating child hunger in our community.
