Do You Feel Guilty About Using a Food Bank? You Shouldn't

Many people feel uncomfortable asking for food assistance. You might worry about taking food from someone else, or feel embarrassed to ask for help. If that sounds like you, you are not alone. The truth is, food banks are here to help anyone who needs them—without judgment, without conditions, and because everyone deserves enough to eat.

Why Do People Use Food Banks?

Anyone can have a hard time affording food. Some common reasons include:

• Losing a job or working fewer hours. Less income makes groceries harder to buy.
• High rent, bills, and medical costs. Food often gets cut when money is tight.
• Unexpected emergencies. Car repairs, medical bills, or home repairs can take up your budget.
• Fixed incomes. Seniors or people with disabilities often don’t have enough money for food.
• Parents making sure kids have enough to eat. Many families need extra support.
• Seasonal jobs. Workers in tourism, fishing, or construction may have slow seasons.
• College students with limited money. Some struggle to afford food while studying.
• Living far from grocery stores. Rural areas have fewer food options and higher prices.

Do You Feel Guilty Asking for Help?

Many people feel bad about using a food bank because they think:

• “Someone else might need it more.”
• “I should be able to handle this myself.”
• “What if someone I know sees me?”

These thoughts are normal, but they shouldn’t stop you from getting food. Food banks exist so that no one goes hungry.

Everyone needs help sometimes. Getting food for yourself and your family is the right thing to do.

Food Banks Are Here for Everyone

Food banks are meant to serve people who need food—without conditions or judgment.

• You are NOT taking food from someone else. Food banks plan ahead to serve everyone who comes. There is enough to go around.
• Food assistance is for anyone who needs it. Food insecurity can happen to anyone, no matter their background.
• There’s no judgment. Staff and volunteers at food banks are there to help, not to ask why you need food. Many have been in the same situation themselves.

Breaking the Stigma Around Food Assistance

Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If a friend or family member needed help, wouldn’t you want them to get it? You deserve the same care and kindness.

Communities are stronger when people support each other. Food banks exist because hunger is a shared problem, and solving it is a shared responsibility. By using a food bank, you’re taking care of yourself and your family—and that’s something to be proud of.

What Food Pantry Staff Want You to Know

"We see new people every day, and many feel nervous about coming in," says Maria, a food pantry coordinator. "We want people to know there is no shame in getting help. Everyone needs support at some point in life."

Stories of Strength

Hearing from others who have used food banks can help break down stigma and show the impact of food programs. 

Sarah’s Story: Finding Help for the First Time

Sarah, a mother of two, never thought she’d need a food pantry. But when her husband lost his job, their savings disappeared fast.

"I felt embarrassed at first, but the staff was so kind," Sarah says. "They reminded me that food pantries exist for situations just like ours."

Mark’s Story: Getting Groceries from a Mobile Food Pantry

Mark and their partner, Evan, rely on a mobile food pantry. Evan has a disability that prevents them from working, and money is tight.

"The mobile pantry makes a huge difference for us," Mark says. "We get fresh food that helps us get through the month. Without it, we'd have to skip meals."

If you need help, take it. That’s what food banks are for. When you receive free food, there are no strings attached. You are not expected to pay, donate, volunteer, or give back in any way.

How to Get Food Without Feeling Guilty

If you’re struggling with guilt about visiting a food pantry, remind yourself:

• Food banks are here to help people like you.
• There is no shame in taking care of yourself and your family.
• Everyone deserves to eat, including you. 🤎

If you need food, use our map to find a nearby food pantry or meal site. Food Bank of Alaska is here to help—because no one should go hungry.

^{This institution is an equal opportunity provider.}