Some have Options. Others don’t

“What’s for dinner?” my sister announces to the kitchen. We have options … some that are more favorable than others.

We have options.

“What’s for dinner?” Janet’s daughter asks very quietly. Janet can only say, “I don’t know.” Janet goes to the kitchen to look at the very limited options to prepare something for her daughter while she goes without.

Next time you are in a crowd at the store, in church, or at school, count 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. This person who was tagged with a 6 could easily be food insecure.

One in Six

One in six individuals in Vigo County suffer from food insecurity. Food insecurity is the sad situation in which a person does not know from where their next nutritious meal will come.

This rate is higher for the elderly, perhaps as many as one in three elderly do not have enough nutritious food to have that well-balanced diet needed for good health.

For school children in Vigo County, the stark reality is that one out of every two pre-kindergarten to grade 12 students experience food insecurity.

Many of these children do receive free or reduced breakfast and lunch. Supper might come via the school corporation’s backpack program if their school participates.

There are numerous food pantries and food banks in each area. No matter how bountiful the offerings are, food banks and food pantries can only supply one out of every nine meals.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP benefits might provide the missing pieces if the adult can navigate the application process and qualifies for assistance. Elderly residents might be able to obtain some meals (and personal interaction) through the Meals on Wheels Program.

What Can We Do?

As Advent begins and we wait for the coming of Our Lord, what can we do to address the food insecurity issue?

Volunteer!

All soup kitchens, food pantries and food banks need and appreciate assistance. Give them a call to find a place that is a good fit for your time and talents.

Donate!

Contact your local soup kitchen, food pantry or food banks and find out what they might need. If you are in a position to do so, coordinate a food drive for your chosen agency.

Advocate!

Find a reputable means to share your opinion with those who are in decision making positions. Many voices together can make a difference.

Express gratitude!

Be grateful for how you have been blessed with friends, family and food.

Pray!

Say a prayer every day for those working to address the food insecurity issue and for those who wait in lines.