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Our Conversation With Lauren Biedron of Feeding America® on Fighting Hunger in the U.S.

Nov 17, 2022

Hunger knows no boundaries, touching every community in the nation. In fact, this holiday season, an estimated 34 million people will face hunger in the U.S. – including more than 9 million children.

That’s why we are proudly supporting Feeding America®, the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief organization, by raising critical funds to help address food insecurity and provide immediate hunger relief.

To better understand the urgency in ensuring immediate hunger relief for neighbors in need, we spoke with Lauren Biedron, Vice President of Corporate Partnerships at Feeding America. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in sociology, Lauren has dedicated her entire career to the mission of ending hunger.

Q: What inspired you to join Feeding America?

A: I’m grateful to have started my career within Feeding America’s member network, working for the Greater Chicago Food Depository, the food bank responsible for serving Cook County, IL. I started in food banking the day Hurricane Katrina made landfall in Louisiana and saw firsthand how food banks across the country came together to coordinate a response to the crisis. That job was a foundational experience. I fell in love with the mission of ending hunger and often found myself wishing that more people could see and understand what food banks do every day to serve our communities. Their work is the best untold story in the country. Years later, I had the opportunity to join Feeding America’s corporate partnerships team and work on a larger scale to have greater impact.

Q: Food insecurity and hunger relief have become even more significant issues in this country since the pandemic. What are the challenges in meeting the needs of more families?

A: While federal interventions and the response from the charitable sector have helped to keep overall food insecurity levels from rising dramatically since the pandemic, food banks and individuals across the country are still feeling its impact. Food banks are purchasing more food, but now at higher costs due to record inflation, while also seeing a reduction in the amount of donated food. And transportation for food has become more costly and challenging, with higher demand and a supply shortage of drivers in the industry.

Q: What changes have happened – both positive and negative – to impact the landscape for these causes?

A: It is estimated that, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, an increased number of individuals being served were new to charitable food assistance. Since the start of the pandemic, the Feeding America network of food banks, partner food pantries and meal programs have seen a 26.6% increase in the number of meals distributed. And while current challenges such as inflation and supply chain issues have called for increased support and adaptability, they have also called to attention the existing and persistent disparities in who is at greatest risk for experiencing hunger and why. And as we move forward, we continue to keep equitable food access at the forefront of our mission.

“By addressing existing physical and social barriers, I believe it will help us transform our neighbors' experience of receiving charitable food.”

Q: How can corporations best help organizations like Feeding America in its critical work?

A: There are a variety of fun and engaging ways that corporations can join the fight against hunger while inspiring and involving their employees and customers. For example, advocacy, volunteer opportunities, or providing donations that go toward critical resources. Talk about the work being done, both internally and with your community. Or set up employee volunteer opportunities at local food banks because volunteers are critical to ensure food is safe and accessible to our neighbors. Whether it's through donation programs, such as with 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc., or simply initiating a conversation about the impact of hunger, any form of corporate support can go a long way and make a huge impact.

Q: What have been the most impactful programs Feeding America has launched recently?

A: Over the last few years, we have made an increased effort to clarify and shine a light on our mission and the change we wish to see in local communities. Our priorities are clear, our food banks are innovating every day, and we are continually evolving to ensure we are both serving and empowering our neighbors. One program I am particularly excited about is a pilot called Order Ahead, a platform designed to expand access to charitable food through an online ordering experience and convenient pick-up times and locations. By addressing existing physical and social barriers, I believe it will help us transform our neighbors' experience of receiving charitable food.

Q: How can people best support food banks in their local communities?

A: Some of the best ways to offer support are through food, friends, and funds. If you have contacts in the food industry, reach out to your local food bank or Feeding America to donate. Or raise awareness about the issue of hunger with your friends on social media. Providing funds is also a great way to help food banks by allowing them to source the items they need in their local community in large quantities. You can find your local food bank on our website using the food bank locator tool. Connect with them and find out what they need most.

Q: During this Season of Giving, for what are you most grateful?

A: During the fall and winter holidays, so many traditions revolve around food. In my family, cooking and eating together is how we create memories. In that regard, I am incredibly grateful that I have regular access to healthful food to incorporate into our holiday meals. However, 34 million Americans don’t have this luxury and are forced to make tough choices — between food and medicine, rent, or other essentials. Knowing the stark reality that so many of our neighbors face is what drives me.

Q: What thoughts would you like to leave us with today?

A: With so many of our neighbors struggling to make ends meet, the idea of ending hunger can often feel daunting. What I always share about our mission is that there is a way for everyone to get involved — as donors, volunteers, or advocates. Collectively, these individual actions add up to make an enormous difference for Feeding America, member food banks, and people struggling with hunger. If you’re unsure of where to start, visit our website and find your local food bank to get involved. We need your support!

Thank you, Lauren, for sharing your experience and expertise – and for issuing a call-to-action for everyone to get involved in fighting food insecurity this holiday season. Giving is truly the gift when helping neighbors in need.

Inspired to help? Now through December 24, 2022, for each gift purchased from the Season of Giving holiday collection, 20% of the net proceeds* will be donated to Feeding America. For every $1 received, they will provide at least 10 meals**. You can also make a cash donation. Funds will support local communities across the country.

You can find out more about how our company is actively engaged in a variety of philanthropic, volunteer, and charitable programs aimed at strengthening the communities we serve http:here.

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* “Net proceeds” is defined as the gross sales price of the product less any and all taxes, service charges, shipping and handling charges, discounts, fees, surcharges, gift certificates, promotional gift certificates, promotional offers (e.g., airline miles, points, e-money, etc.) credits, rebates, chargebacks, refunds, credit card processing fees and gift certificate cancellations. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. will make a minimum donation of $50,000 to Feeding America®, a 501(c)(3) non-profit recognized by the IRS. Tax ID Number: 36-3673599. Feeding America® 2022.

** $1 helps provide at least 10 meals secured by Feeding America® on behalf of member food banks.

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