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Last year, in the United States looked to food banks and food pantries for support, according to a 2023 report from Feeding America. The end of COVID-era government assistance programs and the rising cost of groceries due to inflation have many Americans facing food insecurity.

According to a 2023 Department of Agriculture report, 12.8% of households around the country—about 17 million—were . That's up from the 10.2% of households who had difficulty providing food for everyone in their home in 2021, and also up from the 10.5% who said the same in 2020. It's the highest share of food-insecure households in the U.S. since 2014.

The rise of food insecurity and the economic situation in the U.S. means that food banks are struggling to keep up with the demand. "Local food banks, pantries, and community meal programs have become an essential component of many households' food budgets, especially as we continue to face increased food prices and the end of pandemic-era benefits," Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America, accompanying the nonprofit's aforementioned report. In an earlier 2023 survey from Feeding America, 65% of responding food banks reported an .

It can be difficult to know where to go if you want to help, as many do during the holiday season in particular. To help guide you, compiled a list of food bank volunteer opportunities near San Francisco using data from . Read on to see what you can do for those grappling with food insecurity in your community, from distributing lunches to seniors to serving meals at soup kitchens.

Cooking and/or Nutrition Educator/Assistant - 18 Reasons
- Organization: Hunger Free America
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Regional Director
- Organization: The Borgen Project
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Cook Dinner for Local Families
- Organization: Safe & Sound
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Community Building/health & wellness events/kids' activities (1180 4th Street - SF)
- Organization: Mercy Housing California
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Deliver Groceries with San Francisco Marin Food Bank!
- Organization: San Francisco-Marin Food Bank
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FOOD: Mercy Housing Pantry
- Organization: Mercy Housing California
- Dates: Oct 11 to Dec 25
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Volunteer at the Clement Street Market!
- Organization: AGRICULTURAL INSTITUTE OF MARIN
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Student Opportunity--Help Fight Hunger Around America's Breakfast Tables
- Organization: CEREAL4ALL INC
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Hunger doesn't take a break for the holidays! We need your help on Saturdays!
- Organization: Excelsior Community Food Pantry
- Dates: Dec 16 to Jan 6
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Weekly Volunteers to help with Supply Preparation
- Organization: AT THE CROSSROADS
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Transport food donations for families in need in the Greater San Francisco area
- Organization: Move For Hunger
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Deliver Household Items to Homebound Seniors
- Organization: Meals on Wheels San Francisco
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Large Community Outreaches - SF City Impact
- Organization: San Francisco City Impact
- Dates: Nov 23 to Dec 25
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FOOD: GLIDE Daily Free Meals Program
- Organization: Glide Memorial Church
- Dates: Aug 2 to Dec 31
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Join us for Monday Lunch Prep and Service
- Organization: Martin de Porres House of Hospitality
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Help Bag and Deliver Groceries for Seniors in Need
- Organization: Community Living Campaign
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Cook a Meal for a family in Need in San Francisco, CA
- Organization: Lasagna Love
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Serve Lunch in Curry Senior Center's Dining Room
- Organization: Curry Senior Center
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Join The Fun & Help Support Seniors!
- Organization: J-Sei
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FOOD: Mission District Salvation Army Food Pantry
- Organization: HandsOn Bay Area
- Dates: Dec 6 to Mar 5
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Volunteer in our Shelter
- Organization: Idealist.org
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Committed Volunteering Opportunity - DAILY BREAKFAST - Oakland Homeless Community
- Organization: SAIAASHRAYA INC
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Help Deliver Food
- Organization: Farms to Grow, Inc
- Dates: Dec 2 to Mar 1
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St. Vincent de Paul's Community Center Help Desk
- Organization: Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County
- Dates: Nov 1 to Jan 30
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This story features data reporting by Karim Noorani, writing by Jaimie Etkin, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 101 metros.