Food Bank News posted an annual analysis of how the top 100 U.S. food banks (by revenue) promote advocacy through their websites, revealing an increasing focus on digital tools like animated videos, advocacy-action trackers, and public surveys. While advocacy primarily happens through in-person discussions, lobbying, and community engagement, the digital presence of food banks plays a critical role in spreading awareness about hunger relief efforts.

This year, 44 of the top 100 food banks were recognized on the “High Honor Roll” for actively engaging in all four key areas of website advocacy: providing SNAP outreach, having dedicated advocacy pages, issuing calls to action, and outlining policy priorities. Another 17 food banks made the “Honor Roll,” excelling in three of the four categories. These findings focus on the largest food banks based on revenue, as identified in their 2023 report.

An advocacy page is one of the simplest ways food banks can promote awareness. Among the 100 largest food banks, 65 have such pages. Houston Food Bank’s Advocacy Action Center provides comprehensive resources that help individuals understand the importance of policies like the Farm Bill and the broader impact of economic instability on food insecurity. The center also includes a detailed video on local government processes and features interactive tools like the Tough Choices Challenge, which highlights the challenges many families face with food insecurity. Houston Food Bank’s emphasis on voter engagement is also prominent, with its website encouraging individuals to create voting plans.

Similarly, Greater Boston Food Bank uses its advocacy platform to highlight the various steps it has taken, from written testimonies to bill endorsements. This helps to demonstrate how coordinated advocacy can bring about real change.

On the simpler side, Second Harvest Heartland’s “Advocacy 101” page addresses fundamental questions about the role of advocacy and underscores hunger relief as a bipartisan issue. The food bank reassures visitors that promoting food security benefits everyone, regardless of political affiliation.

In addition to this content, food banks are increasingly incorporating calls to action, with 58 of the top 100 encouraging public involvement through newsletter sign-ups, webinars, and outreach to elected officials. East Texas Food Bank, for example, offers advice on how to effectively communicate with government representatives, while Philabundance provides a comprehensive 55-page Advocacy Toolkit, helping individuals to participate at different levels.

Some food banks, like Greater Chicago Food Depository, have elevated their advocacy efforts with features like point-based systems. Their “Take Action Now” page tracks public engagement, assigning points to various actions, and sets goals for the community to work toward collectively. It even allows users to log personal interactions with legislators to build deeper relationships within the community.

However, only 55 food banks out of the top 100 outline specific policy priorities, despite the importance of doing so. Foodbank for the Heartland, for example, splits its policy priorities between federal, state, and local levels using an intuitive layout on its website. Beyond hunger focused policies, some food banks, like Food Lifeline, are addressing issues like climate change and tax reform as part of their advocacy efforts. Meanwhile, Alameda County Community Food Bank involves the public directly in shaping its policy agenda by offering short surveys that allow people to share their concerns.

When it comes to SNAP outreach, 74 of the top 100 food banks are involved. Feeding America Riverside and San Bernardino Counties provides quick-screening tools and features a photo gallery of their SNAP assistants. Their website also offers FAQs in both English and Spanish. Similarly, Feeding San Diego’s SNAP outreach page includes myth-busting resources and advice on how to navigate the application process, while Northern Illinois Food Bank helps clients use SNAP for online grocery shopping through Amazon and other retailers.

As digital advocacy becomes more sophisticated, food banks are making the most of their websites to engage the public, raise awareness, and drive legislative change. These efforts not only educate communities but also empower them to participate in hunger relief efforts at local, state, and national levels.