Ask a CSR Friend: Responding to Food Insecurity and Volunteer Shortages — How Employees Can Make an Impact

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Dear CSR Friend,

Lately, I’ve noticed a lot of headlines about rising food insecurity, especially as the recent government shutdown has impacted federal workers and families across the country. At the same time, I’m seeing more stories about food pantries struggling to find volunteers. It seems like the need is increasing, but the number of people available to help is shrinking.

As someone who helps lead employee engagement efforts at my company, I’m wondering: How can we best support our employees who care deeply about hunger issues, while also helping our communities facing these challenges? What’s the most meaningful way to take action when so many people are stretched thin?

— Concerned About Community in College Park

Dear Concerned About Community,

You’re not imagining it, food insecurity is rising, and volunteer shortages are compounding the challenge. Across the country, local news stories and nonprofit leaders are sounding the alarm: demand at food banks is up, donations are stretched thin, and volunteer rosters are shrinking.

Many long-time food pantry volunteers are aging out, while younger people — juggling rising living costs and demanding schedules — are gravitating toward one-time, event-based opportunities. According to a 2023 AmeriCorps survey, about 20% of all volunteers contribute through a mix of online and in-person service, reflecting both a shift in how people serve and the strain organizations are feeling.

As one community engagement researcher put it, “We’re an overwhelmed and overworked society. The rising costs of everything, and in particular the cost of housing, means that people have to work more.” That reality has reshaped how people show up to serve — and how companies can support them.

This moment offers a powerful opportunity for CSR and employee engagement leaders to step up. The holidays often spark an interest in volunteering, but the growing need and changing volunteer dynamics make now a critical time to connect purpose to action.

The Bottom Line: Four Ways Employees Can Take Action

As food insecurity rises across the country, this is an important moment to help employees take meaningful action. Here are four tangible ways they can make a difference.

1. Volunteer — Every Hour Makes a Difference

Food pantries and meal programs are seeing shortages in volunteers just as demand increases. Encourage your employees to get involved — even if only for a few hours. Flexible, event-based volunteering fits today’s busy lives, and employers can help by:

• Offer volunteer time off (VTO) so employees can volunteer to support food insecurity on their own schedules.
• Host on-site service projects like food packing or sorting events.
• Partner with local food banks for group volunteer days.

Every hour matters. Even short-term engagements can make a big difference in keeping shelves stocked and meals delivered.

2. Donate Food — Thoughtfully and Respectfully

In addition to time and money, food donations remain a vital source of support for community pantries. When encouraging employees to participate in food drives or drop-off events, remind them to donate food they themselves would want to eat — not just items collecting dust in the back of the pantry.

Respectful giving means choosing nutritious, high-demand staples (like canned proteins, pasta, rice, peanut butter, and shelf-stable fruits and vegetables) and avoiding expired or overly niche foods. You might even consider sharing a “most-needed items” list from your local food bank to make donating easier and more intentional.

3. Give — and Make Every Dollar Go Further

When time is limited, financial support can be just as impactful. Encourage employees to donate and leverage matching gifts or payroll deductions to multiply their contributions. Many employees don’t realize their company already offers these programs — a well-timed reminder or spotlight can dramatically increase participation.

Consider highlighting trusted partners like Feeding America, which connects donors directly to local food banks.

4. Share Resources — Because Hunger May Be Closer Than You Think

Food insecurity doesn’t only affect the broader community, it can impact our coworkers, neighbors, and friends. Normalizing conversations about food access is a powerful form of support.

Encourage employees to share and use resources like:

• FoodFinder.us: An online map connecting people to free food programs in their area
• Feeding America’s local food bank locator

Promoting these tools internally can help ensure that anyone in need, even within your own organization, knows where to turn.

Meeting the Moment

As CSR and employee engagement professionals, we’re uniquely positioned to help employees act on what they care about most. The challenges of today, from economic stress to volunteer shortages, require flexibility, creativity and compassion.

By encouraging volunteerism, promoting thoughtful food donations, amplifying giving programs, and sharing essential resources, your company can help employees make a meaningful impact right now, for themselves, their colleagues, and their communities.

Until next time,
Your CSR Friend

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