With foster care rates not keeping up with inflation money is tight for many foster parents. There are a few who are lucky enough to receive WIC checks if they have younger kids. If you’re a parent with older children of teenagers in the house, trying keep your grocery budget in line can become nearly impossible. Some foster parents have to get food from food pantries in order to keep up.

America’s Second Harvest is a national food bank with “branches” all over the country. The food they distribute goes to day care centers, youth programs, shelters and other areas where kids from foster care may receive the food. Locations of local centers are listed on their website.

Self Help and Resource Exchange (SHARE) Food Program – Anyone can buy discounted food from SHARE regardless of their income. There is an order form on their website. In addition there are holiday packages available that will help any foster family. For example the Thanksgiving Package is $22 and it includes:

12-14 lb. Turkey
Stuffing Mix
Cranberry Sauce
2 Cans Green Beans
Canned Turkey Gravy
Seasonal Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Apple Pie

Finally, a holiday meal that families can afford.

You can help by giving a cash donation or volunteering at a SHARE location. To find a local distribution area, simply do an internet search for "SHARE Food Program" along with your state.

Salvation Army - One year, in an effort to teach Sammy responsibility and gratitude, we served Thanksgiving dinner for the Salvation Army. Their dinner is open to anyone who needs it. This can be someone who does not have a place to go, can not afford a meal, or have other needs. It is a free will offering for those that can afford it.

We had a wonderful time and the diners enjoyed being helped by Sammy. We were invited to eat with everyone else, but I already had our dinner ready to go.

If you know of a foster parent or a group home that is watching their pennies, you can deliver a meal to a family. Many grocery stores, such as Whole Foods will allow you to purchase a Thanksgiving or Christmas meal that is fully prepared. You simply pick it up and deliver it. Check with your local grocery store to see if they offer this type of service.

Many grocery stores also have bins in the stores that will allow you to donate non-perishable items that will be given to area food pantries. Many area churches have donation centers as well.

There are many opportunities available for you to help a deserving family.

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