Hunger Doesn’t Take a Vacation!
Speaking kindness
June 27, 2022
A Getting Ahead Story: Discovering food pantries
July 6, 2022
A letter from Executive Director Keith Adams.
“Thank God for your pantries. My food stamps were cut from $350 last year to just $16 now. You are a real lifeline for my family.” – “Dot,” a wife and mother of 3 young children
| I’ve been looking forward to a brief summer vacation, and a thought flooded my mind, “Hunger doesn’t take a vacation!” Summer is tough for families experiencing food insecurity and poverty! In fact, I’ve been wondering about how my friends like “Dot” will make it through the summer without the support of friends like you and me. In fact, it’s because of your generosity that over 12,000 neighbors will have food on their tables this year. That includes 5,000 children. Your year-round support makes sure that none of them go to bed hungry! Thank you!! This spring and summer as grocery and gas prices rise, so too has the number of neighbors visiting our pantries! This is compounded by the kids being home from school and the federal program that ensured that every child in our county has access to a free lunch was not renewed. And, if that isn’t enough, the bonus food stamps that had been given during this pandemic ended late last year. So, as the children are home from school and costs are up, food stamp benefits are down, we – as a community – can be a lifeline meeting a very real, urgent need. Recently we received a $600 donation from a local insurance agency. They sent this note with it. “Seeing how food prices have gone up so much lately I thought this may help feed more of our community that is in need.” Absolutely true! This summer if just 100 more Kindness Champions like this friend made a special donation, we could bridge the gap for many families like “Dot’s” family! No one should have to face the challenges of summer hunger alone. You and I can be the lifeline! Hunger may not take a vacation, but we can be a lifeline! So, as I get ready for a few days away, I’m making my own special donation. Will you join me? If you can make a special donation, go online to Lifeline.CommonHeart.org You can also mail a check, payable to Common Heart, to: PO Box 2761, Indian Trail, NC 28079. This summer we can make a huge difference for many children, moms and dads facing summer hunger! Thank you for being a part of this small revolution of kindness! Keith Adams, Executive Director P.S. – During the summer the other big need is for volunteers. There are urgent opportunities for volunteers to provide dinners for Getting Ahead groups in Monroe, serve at the Marshville pantry and become Cupboard Allies, delivering friendship and groceries once a month. Check out Volunteer.CommonHeart.org |
