The Power of Giving Back: September - Hunger Action Month
Were you aware that September was Hunger Action (Awareness) Month? This month was set aside to raise awareness about hunger, and more importantly, to take action against hunger. One of life's greatest joys is giving without expecting anything in return. At Awesome Life for All, we celebrate the joy of giving back and the profound changes it can bring to our communities. Each act of giving radiates positivity and fills our hearts with a sense of purpose, connecting us to something larger than ourselves.
When we extend a helping hand, offer a warm smile, or even contribute to a cause, our actions resonate far beyond the moment. This is the ripple effect of kindness that triggers a chain reaction of goodwill.
I’ve always heard that millions of people all over the world experience hunger as a lifestyle, but I’ve never considered the impact that it has on those whom it affects. I’m the youngest of three, and my big sister always reminds me that as a child - I wasn’t born yet - she and my brother sometimes had macaroni and cheese, with no meat, but they never starved. Wow, I can’t imagine having a meal without meat! And when she shared that, I was thinking…that’s not my story.
They never starved or went hungry. I don’t even know what that would like… starving, hungry, or even having a meal without something as “simple” as meat. For as far back as I can remember, I could go to the fridge or cabinet, get what I wanted, eat as much as I wanted, and even waste what I didn’t want.
So that’s been the story of my life. Having what, or especially whatever I wanted to eat. I’ve never really thought about what it would feel like to have to seek assistance to find food. I’ve never thought about what it would feel like to visit a food pantry to ensure I had something to eat. That was my thinking. That was my story.
Volunteering at a food pantry changed my thinking and my gratitude… it changed my story.
Okay, so I assume you want to know about that day, well here goes. After an uneventful workday, I drove to the Westchester Food Pantry in Westchester, IL. They opened at 4 p.m. and as I looked for parking while driving past my destination, I could see people lined up. Not for a luxury, a sale, or the newest gadget but, for assistance with a necessity...food.
As I parked a couple of blocks from the actual building, I noticed a woman directing traffic to make sure the “clients”, as they were called, would have a place to park. Clients, to me, that word implied that they would be served.
I walked in the back door and was greeted by what looked like a host of volunteers. Directed to get an apron and a name tag, we awaited further instruction. One volunteer seemed to be drawn to me, smiling, she asked if it was my first time here. Perhaps I had that “this is my first time” look on my face. Clearly, it was not her first go-around.
She guided me through each section of the food maze, tables with stacks of food. She explained that there were carts already prepared for the clients that contained frozen meats, fresh vegetables, non-perishables, and goodies. After that, she showed me the process and walked me through each step. Items were marked to identify how many of each item the clients could take. She told me that everyone was very nice and grateful. That warmed my heart.
We finished walking around so I could understand and follow the flow. I looked up and the clients were coming in single-filed, taking a number, and proceeding into the registration room. The registration process confirmed their zip code and other information critical to tracking their food based on the number of times allowed per month.
While volunteering for those three hours, I witnessed thirty-seven people passing through the registration process. Some identified as having big families...so they got more. Some with small children…some with teenagers...some with no one...some with canes...all with something in common...to fill their homes with food.
Hunger is an immediate need that requires an immediate response. According to the USDA, more than 30 million people, living in the United States face food insecurity. Knowing this caused me to pause and to spring into action. I searched for a local place to volunteer, and immediately signed up. This was life-changing.
Why was it life-changing? Each client I served was humble, almost timid. When I asked, would you like some of this? You can have 2, or you can have 6. When I said 6, their eyes lit up and I could feel their joy and see their gratitude. I walked around each table as the clients looked at mustard, ketchup, relish, brats, Italian sausage, milk, baked goods, juice, coffee, dog food…and the list goes on and on. Each item they chose was thoughtful and deliberate. The clients were shopping. They looked at each item with pause, ensuring that the particular item would meet their needs. They didn’t just take “stuff” because it was offered, they selected what they needed and what they liked. Gratefulness.
My thinking was changed. My life was changed. It was my first experience volunteering at a food pantry, and here’s what I learned…
All of the volunteers had the same thing on their minds and faces, they were poised to help. They were there to meet a need, not to judge, just to help. Anyone can help someone. It’s just that simple. Volunteers reap the emotional benefits just as the recipients reap the tangible benefits.
Why was it even more life-changing? Every volunteer was gentle, compassionate, and eager to help. What an awesome display of humanity. That’s how I want to focus my thinking. That every chance I have to share an awesome display of humanity, I’ll take it.
I guess the lesson to be learned and taught is that when all is said and done, we are all the same. We all need a little help at some point in our lives, and we can all meet a need of someone else. We can all change our thinking.
What can you do to make a difference this month? Whether it's volunteering at a local shelter or food pantry, donating to a charitable organization, or simply lending an ear to a friend in need. Do ONE THING to change your thinking. Do one thing to meet a need.
Find a cause and make a difference in your little corner of the world. I did! You can!
Awesome Life For All, Who can have an awesome life if they’re hungry?
To donate to the Westchester Food Pantry, please see the link below.
https://westchesterfoodpantry.org/donate/
"USDA Food and Nutrition - Food Security" in APA format:
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). (n.d.). Food Security. Retrieved from [https://www.usda.gov/topics/food-and-nutrition/food-security](https://www.usda.gov/topics/food-and-nutrition/food-security)
