There’s no denying that poverty is a serious concern all over the world, including your own community. How can we as individuals hope to make a difference when facing such a widespread issue, though? Don’t worry by offering your voice and using your time and resources wisely, there are plenty of ways for you to make a positive impact on the world around you.
Things You Should Know
- Support businesses with a track record of giving back to impoverished communities, like Kroger, The Home Depot, and Johnson & Johnson.
- Donate to charities dedicated to helping those in poverty. Resources like Charity Navigator can help you find high-quality organizations to donate to.
- Support local food banks in your area by donating groceries.
Support businesses that donate to charity.
- A little research can turn your shopping into meaningful advocacy. Think about some of the stores you shop at the most, be it for groceries, clothing, or other essential items. Then, hit the web and do a little digging into each business—many companies have charitable foundations or initiatives, some of which give back to families and communities in need. A few popular companies/businesses that meet this criteria include:
- Kroger
- Pepsi
- The Home Depot
- Johnson & Johnson
Give money to reputable charities.
- Not all charities and non-profits are created equally. Visit sites like Charity Navigator before signing any checks or making any online donations. With their unique grading system, Charity Navigator lets you know how big of an impact a charity has, as well as how accountable and transparent the organization is overall. According to the site, some of the best charities fighting global poverty to choose from are:
- Evidence Action Inc
- Haitian Health Foundation
- Amref Health Africa
- Equalize Health
- Tip: Try to make thoughtful purchases when you go out shopping. Before making an impulse buy, ask yourself if you really need the item. Could that money be better used as a charitable donation?
Donate groceries to local food banks.
- A simple food donation can make a big difference in someone’s life. Have a few extra groceries on hand that you don’t need, or just looking for a simple way to give back? Search online to find the closest food bank in your area, and swing by to donate some groceries. Double-check the food bank’s website ahead of time to see what their donation requirements are, or if they need any specific types of supplies.
- Not sure where your local food bank is? If you live in the United States, click here.
- Does your community not have a local food bank? Think about starting one yourself.
Volunteer your time.
- Soup kitchens and homeless shelters are both good options to consider. Want to make the most out of your free time? There are plenty of ways to volunteer your time and labor, whether that’s volunteering at a hospital, donating blood, or helping put together holiday presents for kids in need. You can also:
- Make meals with groups like Orphan Grain Train or No Kid Hungry
- Build homes with groups like Habitat for Humanity
- Help out at a local soup kitchen
- Volunteer at a homeless shelter
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Distribute meal kits to the local homeless community.
- Fill large plastic bags with food, water, and helpful toiletries. Do you live in the city or in an area with a large homeless population? Take some time to put together a helpful “kit”—this could be a large plastic bag filled with supplies that can help an individual experiencing homelessness, like water bottles, peanut butter crackers, a gift card to a fast food restaurant, and more. You can also throw in some toiletries like:
- Pads and tampons
- Chapstick
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Sunscreen
- Tissues
