Full Heart And Full Shelves

I have not written a blog for a couple of weeks due to an attack by the technology dogs.  The initial was a problem with my computer, followed by an update which fouled up my photo processing software.  To me, working with technology is somewhat like walking through an alley surrounded by a pack of hungry, stray dogs.  You can sense their threat and try to conceal your fears because you know that the dogs can sense that fear and will respond with an attack.  With assistance, I have walked that gauntlet and am moving forward.

My photo this week concerns the loss of SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown.  I am fortunate to be able to work weekly at an area food pantry that receives absolutely no government assistance.  We are a small community Food pantry committed to serving a small region within the county. All pantry staff are volunteers.  Most of the people we serve receive SNAP and our pantry supplements those benefits.  Without SNAP benefits our clients are totally dependent upon the local food pantry. Most of our clients fall into one of three classes: 1. elderly poor with fixed income, 2. mentally or physically handicapped who have collapsed under the burden of crushing medical bills, and 3. families in transition where a young mother has been deserted by a husband or the head of the family has lost their job or has been injured and is in need of temporary assistance.  Before the loss of SNAP, we were serving about sixty families weekly. 

I used the word "fortunate" in describing my relationship with the food pantry -- its clients and the volunteers. This week's photo is one among others which have been used as notecards to thank our donors. What brings me joy in volunteering is what I learn about real life from people in my community.  The national news I read brings division, disaster, and dread to my life daily, if I allow it. My pantry experiences are not filtered through a government talking head spewing statistics and political spin about the needs of hungry people.  Being part of the food pantry keeps me in touch with how ordinary people work across their differences to deliver help when needed.  From our clients I see their joy in being able to receive the most basic grocery items that we take for granted.  At least four times this week, I heard our neediest clients tell a volunteer that they could take less if they knew others wouldn't be served.  (I admit this made me feel guilty for wishing I had more when I should be feel grateful for having everything I really need.)  

When I see ordinary people in my community organizing neighborhood food drives and increasing their individual giving I know I have one more reason to be thankful this Thanksgiving ---and to think this joy comes to me weekly just for showing up!