Why Summer is the Right Time to Give to Your Local Food Bank

 The Heat Is On , But So Is the Need: 

Summer has a way of slowing us down. The heat, the vacations, the long evenings on the patio, all of it invites us to relax, unwind, and maybe even forget the pressures of the rest of the year. But while many of us are enjoying ice cream cones, road trips, or quiet mornings in the garden, there are countless individuals and families for whom summer brings not rest, but even greater strain.

Hunger doesn’t take a holiday.

In fact, summer can be one of the most difficult seasons for those who struggle to make ends meet. Kids are out of school, which means no access to school meal programs. Utility bills go up as fans and air conditioning run harder. And seasonal jobs can be unpredictable or unavailable altogether. It’s a perfect storm that quietly pushes many families into food insecurity, and yet, food bank donations often drop dramatically during the summer months.

That’s why now—not later—is the time to help.

Maybe the heat has you thinking more about sunscreen and sandals than soup cans and cereal boxes. That’s understandable. Summer pulls our attention toward what’s light, breezy, and fun. But that’s also why your donation means so much right now. Because it isn’t just about giving food, it’s about giving relief, dignity, and hope to someone who may be quietly wondering how they’ll get through the week.

You don’t have to give big to make a big difference.

A few extra items in your grocery cart. A box of fresh produce from your garden. A monetary donation online, even as small as the cost of your iced coffee. These simple acts, in the heat of summer, can be a lifeline.

And here's the beautiful thing about helping others: it doesn’t just change their day, it transforms yours. Generosity reminds us of our shared humanity. It brings us back to what really matters: community, compassion, and care.

So this August, while the sun shines bright and the days drift lazily by, take a moment to remember those for whom summer feels heavy. Reach out. Drop off. Give what you can.

Because even on the hottest days, kindness keeps us all a little cooler.