In 2012, GivingTuesday was created by British-born Henry Timms at the 92nd Street Y in New York City, in partnership with the United Nations Foundation. According to the GivingTuesday organization, the goal was simple: “to encourage people to do good.” Since then, the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving has become a global movement celebrating generosity raising billions of dollars to support causes that strengthen communities. In 2024 alone, an estimated $3.6 billion was donated to organizations across the U.S. and worldwide.
But what is radical generosity and why does it matter?
GivingTuesday defines it as the “transformational powers of empathy and solidarity not a series of transactions.” It’s grounded in shared humanity, reciprocity, and collective contribution. Radical generosity fuels leadership, storytelling, community connection, and the shared deployment of human, financial, and social capital.
Today, countless community-based food organizations, including many on FoodStream Connect, are facing unprecedented demand. Changes to SNAP and rising rates of food insecurity are placing major stress on the frontline groups addressing hunger. These organizations are doing the work that keeps families fed, pantries stocked, and dignity intact.
At FoodStream, we believe that the power of community and connectivity can help close the hunger gap.
This Giving Tuesday, we encourage everyone to participate in ways that strengthen and sustain local impact. On FoodStream Connect, members can:
- share needs and surplus
- list and locate donation opportunities
- find logistics support
- connect with aligned partners
- amplify their mission and community stories
And as always, our team is here to support our members, whether it’s unlocking resources, facilitating connections, or spotlighting the impact happening across the network.
Giving Tuesday is more than a moment.
It’s a reminder that when we work together, share what we have, and see one another as collaborators in this mission, we all get closer to a world where food is shared equitably, waste is minimized, and communities thrive.
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