For the past several years I have made it a tradition to furnish Thanksgiving directly to a family. I simply buy extra of everything that I will fix for the week and ask local charities to provide a name of someone they believe to be in need, along with the number of dependents they have.

Most people's meal planning over the holiday are quite similar so it is a good time to give knowing you won't do too terribly in your selections. With many stores now offering delivery it is especially easy to simply alter the delivery address and mark your purchase as a gift to keep the donation confidential.

For the rest of the year, money is the best way to donate. Food insecurity is especially cruel during the holidays, but it never goes away, so don't confine giving to special events/holidays.