September 7, 2023
What You Can Do to Help Our Hurting Heroes
Photo by Markus Spiske under Pexels License
When we think of veterans, we often picture brave men and women who have served our country with honor and distinction. We envision them as strong, resilient, and capable. We don’t typically think of them as wallowing in poverty and needing food assistance.
However, the reality is that many veterans do struggle with poverty and hunger, a complex problem that is often overlooked.
According to Feeding America, approximately 1.5 million veterans live in households that receive assistance from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps. This means that 1 in 10 veterans is at risk of going hungry. In addition, many veterans who do not qualify for SNAP struggle to make ends meet and put food on the table.
To focus on this problem, Veteran Car Donations explores the causes of veteran hunger, the resources available to help address the problem, and what we can do to take part in the battle to end food insecurity among our former service members.
What Causes Veteran Hunger?
Why do many of our vets suffer from food insecurity? Here are six reasons:
- Chronic unemployment
Many veterans return from active duty with physical or mental health conditions that make it hard for them to find and keep a stable job. They don’t have the means to earn a sufficient income to afford even the food they have to eat to survive.
- High cost of housing
In many parts of the country, the cost of living is high. Housing cost is especially expensive. This presents difficulties for fixed-income veterans who have to pay the costs of both rent and food, forcing them to make tough choices.
- Limited access to healthy, affordable food
Veterans who live in rural areas often have limited access to healthy and affordable food. Many rural areas are food deserts, which means that there are few or no grocery stores or other food outlets that offer fresh produce and other healthy food.
- Mental health issues
Veterans with PTSD and other mental health issues usually have trouble navigating the complexities of the social safety net and applying for government food assistance.
- Complex application processes
The process of applying for food assistance can be complicated and confusing, which can deter veterans from seeking help. This is particularly true for those who are dealing with mental health issues or who have limited access to transportation.
- Lack of awareness
Some veterans are unaware of the resources available to them to help them address food insecurity due to a lack of outreach.
What Can You Do to Help Them?
Fortunately, many local organizations and charities provide food assistance to veterans. These organizations often operate food pantries or other programs that provide veterans with healthy and nutritious food at no cost.
Others offer emergency financial assistance to veterans and their families who are facing unexpected financial challenges, such as a medical emergency or the loss of a job. This assistance can help ensure that veterans can pay for the costs of necessities such as food and housing.
You can also do something to help the food-deprived veterans in your local community. Below are ways to get involved:
- Volunteer with a local food bank.
Many food banks rely on volunteers to help with tasks such as packing food boxes, distributing food, and organizing food drives.
- Donate to an organization.
There are plenty of nonprofits that work to address the issue of veteran hunger, including Feeding America and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Your donation can go a long way in helping them provide food assistance to veterans and their families.
- Advocate for policies that support veterans who are struggling with hunger.
This could include advocating for increased funding for programs that provide food assistance to veterans or working to eliminate barriers that prevent veterans from accessing the assistance they need.
- Host a food drive or fundraiser.
This can be a great way to raise awareness about the issue of veteran hunger in your local area and provide tangible support to veterans in need.
You Can Make a Difference with Your Unwanted Car
Here’s another way you can help combat veteran hunger: Donate your old and unwanted vehicle to Veteran Car Donations. We’ll turn that car into a powerful tool for uplifting the lives of the struggling veterans in your local community.
Our team will put your vehicle up for auction and use the proceeds to support the life-enhancement programs of our veteran-focused charity partners. Like us, these IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations are dedicated to helping underprivileged veterans who have become homeless and impoverished, those who are unable to find decent jobs, and those who are suffering from service-related disabilities and serious illnesses, including mental disorders.
Our charity partners use the funding we give them to provide their beneficiaries with housing and financial assistance, employment and livelihood opportunities, family support, free quality health care and medical treatment, psychotherapy services, scholarships, and many other benefits all meant to uplift their lives.
Your simple act of charity will also benefit you in more ways than one. It will entitle you to claim the highest possible tax deduction in the next tax season. You will also receive our fast and free towing service wherever you are in the country.
However, the most significant benefit you’ll get from your car donation is the sense of satisfaction you’ll feel for helping our nation’s hurting heroes get back on their feet and live the decent and fulfilling lives they deserve.
We accept nearly all types of vehicles, including those that are no longer in their best working condition. Head over to this page to find out the different types of vehicles that we’ve been receiving from our donors.
Want to learn more about our vehicle donation program, including our quick and easy donation process? Go visit our FAQs page. If you have any questions for us, call us through our 24/7 toll-free hotline at 877-594-5822. You may also write to us here and we will get in touch with you as soon as we can.
Photo by Pixabay under Pexels License
Give Hope to Our Hungry Heroes Today!
A simple auto donation from you is all it takes to make a lasting impact on the lives of our heroes who are suffering from hunger and other woes. Help turn their lives around with your car donation. Call Veteran Car Donations at 877-594-5822 or fill out our secure online donation form now!