Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day and I thought a good way to observe this holiday is brainstorming ways we can positively impact our communities. It’s also the beginning of the year, so it’s commonplace to create resolutions and goals for the new year. Do you have any resolutions or goals to contribute to your community this year? I plan to make donations to my local food bank.

Unfortunately, while the USA is considered a wealthy country, many of its inhabitants go without basic necessities. The lack of basic necessities is an issue with compounding deficits.

Food insecurity, housing instability, lack of adequate and equitable healthcare, lack of resources for adequate hygiene. All of these issues are linked and compounding.

If you plan to donate to a food bank, keep in mind many don’t accept items in glass containers. Many people in poverty may not have access to a can opener, so try to get pull top cans of soup or vegetables. Make sure you check what your food banks high needs are and what they do and do not accept. Try to find more nutritious foods if possible. Spices and toiletries are also often needed.