Friday, December 18, 2020
As we wrap up another week, our sights are on the promise of 2021 improving the medical crisis of the pandemic. We are ever mindful that as we live into our new reality, the economic crisis caused by the pandemic will last well into 2022 especially in Southwest Florida. During these past nine months, we saw the number of people that we serve soar to over a quarter of a million.
Your food bank is humbled to have a front-row seat to the very best of humanity. It is our privilege to be a conduit where our community continues to come together and take action. We witness the good in so many. Thousands give us their strength as they help us build kits, sort and distribute food to those who are hungry. Just as many invest in our food distribution programs and continue to help us meet the astronomical costs (of food) that it takes to feed the relentless demand for food. Hundreds in our community send us notes of encouragement, share words of thanks and offer our staff meals and treats to fuel our ability to maintain the energy needed to face this crisis. Perhaps the most touching is knowing that not only does the food bank staff feel this love, but those whom we serve feel it as well. At each distribution, repeatedly, one witnesses the stress disappearing from those who are hungry. You can feel the gratitude of those waiting in the car lines, many for the first time ever. Despite masks, you can still see hearts full of gratefulness, eyes that sparkle even with tears of relief. Magically, the air hugs that are given are very tangible. It is truly the best in humanity.
Your food bank shares in your celebration of the value of food! Your actions are evidence that our community will do everything in its power to ensure that no one has to be without food. Food provides nourishment for healthy living. Food is a life source. Food brings people and families together. Food provides comfort and love.
We are in the middle of holiday celebrations and we should celebrate. This week let’s celebrate that we distributed 793,308 pounds of food into our five-county footprint. Together we have made a difference to each child, mother, father, grandparent, sister, brother, aunt, uncle, cousin and veteran that we have served in our food distribution programs. Not only have we ensured that they are not hungry, but we have also shown them that we care enough to come together to help each other. With the closing of 2020, let this spirit of unity and love help us usher in 2021, knowing that our work is not done.
Thank you. Thank you to the thousands who give us their time. Thank you to the thousands who invest in our food distribution programs ensuring that the safety net of the community is stable. While the sea of cars won’t go away in 2021, together, we can lead our community in the fight to end hunger.
To support our efforts, please click here.
If you are looking for food, please click here.
If you are well, able, and willing to volunteer, please click here to sign up.