Dignity is not off the table.

Our food pantry is facing an unexpected challenge this holiday season. The food bank that supplies the majority of our food has put us on notice: We will not receive the usual volume of holiday food supplies this year, due to federal cuts in funding.  

This time of year, we all look forward to sharing holiday meals. This is perhaps especially true for the many thousands of our regional neighbors who are food insecure. Our food pantry’s mission is to help end regional food insecurity and the causes of that insecurity. Our approach is to connect the four corners of community: Our neighbors in need, volunteers, donors, and community leaders. Together, we are setting the table for change in our area. 

Our food pantry offers “choice” based food sharing. Meaning, visiting neighbors are free to choose the food they need in a familiar grocery store setting. They are free to plan and make their traditional holiday meals. As our organization’s administrative director said recently, “We’re going to make it happen for them one way or another. We are not going to take that away from them.” 

Any time of year, “putting food on the table” is an expression that has deep meaning for all of us. Putting food on the table means taking a break from everyday worries to feel the comforts of mealtime, togetherness, and nutritional well-being. This time of year, putting food on the table is most especially an act of sharing and love.  

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