I have 2 things for you to ponder:
1 - Last week I was helping welcome people to the Food Pantry for our Wednesday late afternoon/evening hours. In line were people who work in our community, coming after work to shop. I know this because they had uniforms and nametags from area businesses. Some had their kids with them, tired from a long day at school and/or day care. And everyone one of them depend on what is on these shelves to feed their families.
2 - Some of you might remember the panic you felt when you went to the grocery store early in the pandemic and found the thing that you needed unavailable. If you had to shop the food pantry and it was your only option because you were too short on cash from paying rent and all other life expenses to buy food and you got there and there wasn't much on the shelves - can you imagine the fear and panic?
The good news is - that as a community - we can actually make it different.
We can't change the dynamics that are causing people to need the pantry. (I don't have any tricks in my back pocket to change the economy, to change the housing shortage, to change the cost of day care or someone's income). But we can donate money to a food pantry or buy food to donate and fill shelves. That is in our collective power.
I challenge you to to think of a way to make a difference today, and next week and the following week. Even if it's small, it will matter to someone. I know you all and you are a creative caring bunch.
If you are looking for ideas or have ideas, your links are below <3
This is a photo of our pantry shelves at the end of a typical day. For over 40 years, we have provided food for people in our community without ever turning anyone away who met our eligibility requirements. For the first time in our history, we can no longer meet the need with our current resources. We have placed limits on how much food people can take, but we are still running out of food every week.We need your help to bridge the gap! Read more about what is happening and links for how you can donate, shop our Amazon List and spread the word >>> https://lnkd.in/gjaVWQAY #foodpantry #middletonwi #madisonwi #middletonwisconsin #madisonwisconsin #endhunger #foodinsecurity #foodsecurity #donatefood #nonprofit #danecounty