WEEK ONE - FEEDING AMERICA
May 5, 2020
Like many of you, we have been sheltering in place for over a month now. This is normally the time of year when we all get together at our local food banks for the Metallica & All Within My Hands Day of Service… we listen to loud music, box oranges, shuck corn, and we have a great time giving back together. We will do it again - hopefully soon - but in the meantime, our food banks are in dire need of support.
Our friends and partners at Feeding America shared some stark numbers with us. In order to meet the increasing demand, the Feeding America nationwide network of food banks will need an estimated $1.4 billion over the next six months to provide food to people facing hunger and to sustain and quickly evolve operations amidst the COVID-19 crisis.
We’ve reached out to our partner food banks across the United States that Metallica has worked with over the years and asked them what they need most. We’re proud to share their words and thoughts with you below by state; see how you can help in your community.
Consider this your helping hub. Share this with your friends, your family, your colleagues. We won’t solve the problem overnight but together we can make a difference.
Alabama
COMMUNITY FOOD BANK OF CENTRAL ALABAMA - Birmingham, AL
"The economic impact of COVID-19 will only increase food insecurity in our community. Closures of businesses and schools affect lower-income families and people with hourly wages in particular. We need YOUR HELP to feed our neighbors in need."
Arizona
UNITED FOOD BANK - Mesa, AZ
"This pandemic has caused a surge of clients which has increased our demand up to four times the normal amount we serve. We need your help building emergency food bags and packing food for our families in this crisis!"
ST. MARY'S FOOD BANK - Phoenix, AZ
"St. Mary’s Food Bank has seen the number of clients at their main food bank locations more than double for the last six weeks, while volunteer help has dropped by more than 50 percent over the same period. We are in need of cash donations and volunteers to help build and distribute food boxes in an atmosphere that promotes safety and social distancing."
Arkansas
ARKANSAS FOODBANK - Little Rock, AK
"The Arkansas Foodbank and our partners are truly on the front lines of this pandemic, ensuring Arkansans have the most basic of needs right now, food. The past few weeks, the Foodbank has seen a significant increase in children, families and seniors needing access to food in the 33 counties we serve. The Foodbank is working hard packing thousands of emergency boxes, working with our partners to get more food into our communities served, and hosting mobile food distributions to safely and effectively get food into the hands of those who need it. As you can imagine, the demand is only increasing, and we will be feeling the effects of COVID-19 for many months to come. The best way to help the Arkansas Foodbank at this time is through monetary donations. Every $1 donated = food for 5 meals for those in need. With your help, we can continue to provide hope during this time and for many months to come."
California
CENTRAL CALIFORNIA FOOD BANK - Fresno, CA
"Central California Food Bank provides food to over 70,000 households on a monthly basis and we have seen a nearly 50% increase at all distributions at this time. There are three main ways you can support us during this time: donate, volunteer, and spread the word. Thank you for sticking by our side during the biggest crisis we have dealt with in our history as a food bank."
LOS ANGELES REGIONAL FOOD BANK - Los Angeles, CA
"Support the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank to increase food distribution to meet the increase in demand caused by the current coronavirus crisis. Individuals are losing income and jobs due to layoffs and furloughs, children and their families need additional assistance because of school closures, and seniors who are staying at safe home need to be reached."
ALAMEDA COUNTY COMMUNITY FOOD BANK - Oakland, CA
"We're experiencing an unprecedented surge in need – and we are prepared for a prolonged response to this emergency. The communities impacted hardest by this crisis are the ones we're already serving and we know from experience that it will take months, possibly years, for our community to get back on its feet."
SACRAMENTO FOOD BANK & FAMILY SERVICES - Sacramento, CA
"As the food bank for Sacramento County, Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) is working tirelessly to provide emergency food to the 150,000 individuals we serve each month and the thousands more who may find themselves needing our assistance during this period of great uncertainty and financial hardship. In a region where thousands already struggle to make ends meet, the emergence of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has even further exacerbated economic instability as state and local action to prevent its spread has led to unprecedented mass disruptions in business, school closures, and overall community life. The need for food is greater than ever. Although our resources are stretched, we are committed to ensuring that people do not go hungry. SFBFS is responsible for distributing 28 million pounds (equaling 23 million meals) of food annually through our network of 220+ partner food pantries across Sacramento County. We are working closely with this dedicated network by making sure they have adequate resources – steady food supply, volunteer labor, safe and sanitary distribution practices, etc. – to ensure continuity of service."
FEEDING SAN DIEGO - San Diego, CA
“Before the coronavirus pandemic hit, one in eight people in San Diego County faced hunger. Now hunger is on the rise. Devastating business and school closures, wage loss, and economic uncertainty is rapidly increasing the need for food assistance every day.”
SAN FRANCISCO-MARIN FOOD BANK - San Francisco, CA
"As the COVID-19 situation intensifies daily, the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank is facing an unprecedented challenge to support our neighbors who are currently food insecure as well as actively preparing to support those who may now be facing hunger as a result of lost hours, wages, or jobs. Now, more than ever, our continued efforts are critical to ensuring that those with limited financial resources get access to the food they need to weather the pandemic."
FOOD SHARE OF VENTURA COUNTY - Oxnard, CA
"Our community has been rocked to its core by COVID-19. Food Share immediately ramped up our operations to meet the increased need and we have doubled the number of people we serve on a monthly basis."
Colorado
FOOD BANK OF THE ROCKIES - Denver, CO
"Food Bank of the Rockies will do everything possible to continue distributing food to people in need. We are expecting food insecurity to increase in coming weeks as many people in our community may be going without wages."
Florida
SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK OF CENTRAL FLORIDA - Orlando, FL
"Our community’s ability to pull together and help those who are struggling for food has never been tested the way that it is right now. More than double the food is needed right now, and it takes many oars pulling together to make something of that magnitude possible."
FEEDING SOUTH FLORIDA - Pembroke Park, FL
“The demand for food is nothing like we’ve seen before. You combine a hurricane with a government shutdown and then expand that to the entire community. That’s what it looks like. Since the start of COVID-19, Feeding South Florida has experienced a 600% increase in requests for aid. It has doubled its output from normal operations, expecting to serve up to 1 million people in the community."
Georgia
ATLANTA COMMUNITY FOOD BANK - Atlanta, GA
"With each day, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic inflict more pain across our community. Schools across the state are closed, restaurants and other businesses are shuttered and countless workers face the reality of layoffs, furloughs, and missed paychecks. Our community at large is responding in remarkable ways to support the Atlanta Community Food Bank and we greatly appreciate everyone’s support."
Hawaii
HAWAII FOODBANK - Honolulu, HI
"As COVID-19's impact on Hawaii is intensifying daily, Hawaii Foodbank is facing the unprecedented challenge of providing food to those impacted by the pandemic while also continuing to meet the needs of the one in eight Hawaii residents already struggling with hunger."
Idaho
THE IDAHO FOODBANK - Boise, ID
"Idahoans are tough people. But with a crisis like this and the job layoffs it has spurred, we have seen a huge increase in demand. Anything you can do to help with that demand will help Idahoans stay on their feet and get through this."
Indiana
GLEANERS FOOD BANK OF INDIANA - Indianapolis, IN
"The COVID-19 pandemic is creating a hunger relief emergency unlike any we have ever seen. Households served at our distribution are up two, three, and even four times the normal rate prior to this crisis across all our 21 counties."
Kansas
KANSAS FOOD BANK - Wichita, KS
"The landscape of food banking has changed forever due to this pandemic. We are taking innovative approaches to food distribution to ensure No Kansan Go Hungry."
Kentucky
DARE TO CARE - Louisville, KY
"We've never seen anything like this in the 50 year history of Dare to Care. We're so grateful to those who have supported our work and we need that support to continue, now more than ever."
Maryland
MARYLAND FOOD BANK - Baltimore, MD
"The COVID-19 pandemic has created an enormous demand on food banks everywhere and Maryland is no exception. The increasing number of food insecure Marylanders has made it imperative that we have the resources to buy more food. We are thankful and humbled for the overwhelming volunteer support we have received from the local community. That is why we are asking the Metallica fans to support us by participating in our virtual food drive. Thanks as always for your tremendous support."
Massachusetts
THE GREATER BOSTON FOOD BANK - Boston, MA
"The coronavirus poses an even bigger health threat to our community’s most vulnerable populations: low-income individuals and senior citizens. As the demand for food during the COVID-19 crisis continues to rise, we, at The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB), remain committed to our mission. We are in ongoing communication with our partners, staff and volunteers to maintain safe practices that will ensure healthy food continues to be distributed to our neighbors in need."
Michigan
FORGOTTEN HARVEST - Oak Park, MI
"While the need for food in metro Detroit is always high, the impact of COVID-19 is causing extreme hardship for many local families. With schools closed, many children who rely on school breakfast and lunch programs are particularly at risk. With the closing first of restaurants and bars, and then Michigan’s stay-at-home order, many residents have lost their jobs. At the same time, food sourced through our grocery rescue program has declined and more than 100 of our agencies have suspended distributions, necessitating an emergency response beyond our general program."
GLEANERS COMMUNITY FOOD BANK - Detroit, MI
“So many of you have shown up for our team and our hungry neighbors. By making donations, sending words of encouragement and sharing our mission to fight hunger, you are directly contributing to Gleaners’ work in the community. Even if you cannot join us physically, you are certainly with us in spirit. Thank you!”
FEEDING AMERICA WEST MICHIGAN - Comstock Park, MI
"COVID-19 has closed businesses across West Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, leaving many families here in need of emergency food assistance. We are focusing our efforts on Mobile Pantries and must raise $182,000 to set up sites and ensure safe distribution of food for those who need it most. Every dollar helps as we expect to reach an additional 13,000 households – or about 31,000 people – during this crisis."
Minnesota
SECOND HARVEST HEARTLAND - Brooklyn Park, MN
"Hunger doesn’t wait. While COVID-19 affects our community, helping neighbors experiencing hunger is more necessary than ever. Missing work and an uncertain economy mean families are missing meals. Second Harvest Heartland’s COVID-19 plans includes emergency food boxes, prepared meals from Minnesota Central Kitchen, access to SNAP (food stamps), extra measures to keep Second Harvest Heartland employees and food safe, and partnering with elected officials. We are all concerned about staying safe and reducing our exposure to illness. But for some of our neighbors, a lack of resources means they can’t afford to stock up on food."
Missouri
SOUTHEAST MISSOURI FOOD BANK - Sikeston, MO
"Donors and volunteers are heroes. We would not be able to to accomplish our mission without your support. Thank you for helping us serve more children, families, and seniors, especially at this critical time."
ST. LOUIS AREA FOOD BANK - St. Louis, MO
“COVID-19 has affected all of us. It is a time of unprecedented need and our promise at the St. Louis Area Foodbank is that we will continue to feed individuals and families in need as long as it takes to recover. Support from the community allows us to maximize the number of people we’re able to safely feed and we're grateful to everyone who has given of themselves to help others during these challenging times."
Nevada
THREE SQUARE FOOD BANK - Las Vegas, NV
“The need for food in Southern Nevada was already high. The economic impact of COVID-19 has increased that need beyond what we could have imagined. Many are looking to Three Square for assistance, leadership and comfort. Thanks to the support of our incredible network of supporters, volunteers and partners, we are here for them. Even though we are engulfed by a pandemic, we are also experiencing an epidemic of compassion. Our community has been tested before and emerged stronger. We will again.”
New Jersey
COMMUNITY FOOD BANK OF NEW JERSEY - Hillside, NJ
“The need for food is mostly driven by the devastating economic impact caused by COVID-19. People can’t wait for SNAP or unemployment benefits as they become available. Families have to eat today. We started as a sprint in March, but the recovery is going to be a marathon.”
New York
FEEDMORE WNY - Buffalo, NY
"FeedMore WNY is committed to meeting the growing needs of our community during this pandemic. We are facing unprecedented challenges, but with support from the community and our volunteers we will continue to serve all those who need food assistance. Your gift, whether food, funds, or through volunteerism, will help ensure that no one in our community goes hungry as a result of COVID-19."
ISLAND HARVEST - Hauppauge, NY
“The coronavirus pandemic has created an unprecedented and unimaginable hardship on so many people who are now struggling just to put food on their tables. Island Harvest Food Bank is here to make sure that no one goes hungry on Long Island.”
LONG ISLAND CARES, INC. - Hauppauge, NY
"The role of Long Island Cares – the Harry Chapin Regional Food Bank – in providing emergency food to people in need is a critical component of our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Just as critical is YOU – our network of donors and volunteers that help meet the escalating need from our Long Island neighbors. Your help is needed now, more than ever, to make sure that those challenged by these extraordinary circumstances can count on extraordinary support. If there’s one thing we know from our 40 years of experience supporting the Long Island Community, it’s this: we will weather this storm together. If you are able, PLEASE consider making a gift today to ensure that no Long Islander will go without critical food and resources during this emergency."
REGIONAL FOOD BANK OF NORTHEASTERN NEW YORK - Latham, NY
"Our distribution has already increased by 40% with no signs of slowing down. Thank you so much for your support!"
CITY HARVEST - New York, NY
"City Harvest, New York City’s private response to hunger and largest food rescue organization, has mobilized to feed children, families, and all of our neighbors in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the unprecedented crisis causes the city and the global economy to come to a halt, we’re continuing to see unemployment skyrocket at an alarming rate. Even before the crisis, 2.5 million working-age New Yorkers were struggling to make ends meet, and now many more are experiencing crippling financial hardship, especially with schools and so many businesses forced to close. In the weeks and months to come, we expect even more of our neighbors will turn to us for help. We're committed to keeping our fleet of 22 trucks on the road, rescuing food that would otherwise go to waste and delivering it to feed New Yorkers in need throughout this crisis and in the uncertain weeks and months ahead."
FOOD BANK OF CENTRAL NEW YORK - Syracuse, NY
"With partners like you, Food Bank of Central New York is prepared to meet the increased need in our 11 county service area. Your support means nutritious food will be distributed to men, women, and children struggling with hunger."
North Carolina
INTER-FAITH FOOD SHUTTLE - Raleigh, NC
"During this unprecedented time, it is now more critical than ever that we rely on our community partners and funders to swing the door open for vulnerable populations to access the food they need through our emergency response programs. We are more reliant than ever on our donors and community to help make sure food can get to the children, families, and seniors who need it most. Thank you!"
SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK OF METROLINA - Charlotte, NC
"The greatest need currently is for funds to purchase healthy shelf stable items for food boxes. These boxes will help feed families whose children are missing school meals, seniors being asked to stay safely in their homes, those in need of food who are quarantined, and employees in our community being impacted by decreases in work hours."
North Dakota
GREAT PLAINS FOOD BANK - Fargo, ND
"Like so many food banks across the nation, the Great Plains Food Bank is seeing an unprecedented need for food assistance due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We continue to have a strong need for both monetary gifts and volunteer support to be sure no one across North Dakota and western Minnesota goes hungry during this difficult time."
Oklahoma
COMMUNITY FOOD BANK OF EASTERN OKLAHOMA - Tulsa, OK
“The fallout from the unprecedented circumstances of COVID-19 means that our food bank will continue with an unprecedented response. Food banks commit themselves to the families we serve who have trouble getting enough food each day. With dramatic increases in unemployment rates, quarantines, and illness that affect so many more people, your generosity is needed more than ever to sustain them. Help us provide enough food in eastern Oklahoma to counter some of these devastating effects.”
Ohio
FREESTORE FOODBANK - Cincinnati, OH
"Help us prepare for increased need. Freestore Foodbank has been monitoring the development of COVID-19 and taking proactive steps to protect and feed the tristate community we serve. As our city’s leading hunger-relief organization, we must be prepared to provide emergency food to our vulnerable neighbors who may be impacted by the pandemic and related sudden economic changes. Make a donation today."
GREATER CLEVELAND FOOD BANK - Cleveland, OH
"We have seen the number of people in need increase dramatically since this pandemic began. I have been in food banking for 20 years and I’ve never seen anything quite like it. We are distributing thousands more pounds of food beyond our normal distribution and I believe this will continue for a while."
Oregon
OREGON FOOD BANK - Portland, OR
"In response to COVID-19, we have to do all we can today to prepare for what is coming tomorrow. Our partners across the state are reporting a 20-60% spike in demand for hunger relief services over the past few weeks. This means we could see 160,000 to 540,000 additional people accessing the food assistance system in the weeks and months ahead. All the while, those 860,000 people who’ve historically relied on OFB each year will struggle even more."
Pennsylvania
PHILABUNDANCE - Philadelphia, PA
"Philabundance is more committed than ever to doing whatever we can to keep families from hunger. Please help us continue to provide food to those who are struggling through this unprecedented emergency by donating your time or money."
CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA FOOD BANK - Harrisburg, PA
"As the COVID-19 situation continues to grow and evolve, it is having a financial impact on millions of Pennsylvanians and increasing demand and food banks. The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank is working tirelessly to ensure all our neighbors have access to the food they need during this unprecedented time. Our team has been working to fill thousands of Crisis Response Boxes to meet additional demand. You can help by making a life-sustaining donation or by signing up to volunteer on our website."
GREATER PITTSBURGH COMMUNITY FOOD BANK - Pittsburgh, PA
"Never during our 40-year history have we experienced such a demand for food, but together we are fulfilling our mission to ensure all our neighbors have the food they need in this uncertain time."
South Dakota
FEEDING SOUTH DAKOTA - Sioux Falls, SD
“Feeding South Dakota is currently working to serve more than six times as many people as we do on a regular basis and we can't meet that demand without broad community support.”
Tennessee
SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE - Nashville, TN
“Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee was already in the midst of disaster relief efforts from the March 3 tornadoes when COVID-19 hit our community. We have seen a 46% increase in demand for our services, and that need is growing every day. And at the same time, we’re seeing a decrease in food donations from our grocery partners. We need your support now more than ever.”
Texas
EL PASOANS FIGHTING HUNGER FOOD BANK - El Paso, TX
"As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we are committed to serving communities & individuals facing hunger across El Paso, Culberson and Hudspeth Counties. You can help make sure we can be there for our neighbors in need during this time of uncertainty."
TARRANT AREA FOOD BANK - Fort Worth, TX
"We are taking abundant precaution following recommendations of the CDC to prevent the spread of germs. Throughout this time, TAFB must remain committed to our mission to alleviate local hunger. Since we are no longer able to recruit volunteers from the public sector, your monetary support is needed now more than ever."
SOUTH PLAINS FOOD BANK - Lubbock, TX
"The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need for food assistance by over 60% in our service area. Your donation helps to close that gap and ensures that a child, elderly person, or a family is fed today. Thank you for helping us to End Hunger and Give Hope."
SAN ANTONIO FOOD BANK - San Antonio, TX
“The economic crisis resulting from COVID-19 has been devastating for hundreds of thousands in San Antonio. Our ability to respond so that nobody goes hungry is directly tied to the support provided. Funds will immediately go to set the table for children missing meals at schools and seniors needing home deliveries.”
Utah
UTAH FOOD BANK - Salt Lake City, UT
"With children at home and countless adults out of work, Utah Food Bank is seeing the need for assistance significantly increase at all program and partner agency sites, and are seeing thousands of new clients who have never needed food assistance before. With our ability to stretch each $1 donated into $7.66 worth of goods and services, every donation truly has an impact on the 374,000 Utahns (and even more right now) who are facing hunger."
Virginia
VIRGINIA PENINSULA FOODBANK - Hampton, VA
"We are honored to be a part of our community’s emergency response to COVID-19, and we are certainly seeing substantially increased requests for food assistance and many new faces of food insecurity. As individuals and families experience disruptions to their lives and incomes, we are committed to providing – during a time of anxiety and uncertainty – a sense of comfort and hope in the form of healthy meals. Our compassionate community always remains our most treasured and valuable resource."
Washington
SECOND HARVEST - Spokane, WA
"Because of the surge in demand for food assistance in the region, donated food is flowing out Second Harvest's doors more quickly than it is flowing in, and the need is expected to grow as more people feel the financial consequences. Your donation today will help stabilize the food supply chain and provide food to children, families and seniors facing hunger. Thank you for helping to ensure that our neighbors in need during this crisis can continue to access the food they need."
FOOD LIFELINE - Seattle, WA
"Food Lifeline's mission is to feed people experiencing hunger today while working to end hunger for tomorrow. COVID-19 is having a profound impact in our community with school closures, loss of work and access to essential food and supplies. We know that school and business closures are necessary to keep communities healthy, but we also recognize that these closures will have disproportionate ramifications for those who already struggle to make ends meet.
Food Lifeline is leveraging all our capacity to ensure our food assistance network remains strong in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. We have shifted our food sourcing and distribution efforts to keep nutritious food flowing to those who need it most. Food Lifeline estimates that we will enable the production of approximately 80,000 emergency food boxes per week for the next 12 weeks minimum. Thank you for your support."
Wisconsin
FEEDING AMERICA EASTERN WISCONSIN - Milwaukee, WI
"We are set up for a disaster, but this is a cataclysm. We are determined to keep our doors open to feed people in need. In my heart, I know that together, even during these tough times, we can SOLVE hunger."
