Food insecurity can be exhausting, relentless and even humiliating. When someone in our community does not get enough nutritional food for themselves or loved ones in their household, psychological distress sets in. This can be depression, anxiety, anger and a feeling of hopelessness. Here are a few emotions and comments that we see and hear day-to-day working with the hungry and those who feed the hungry.

Stress & Frustration: Stress from logistically trying to figure out how the system works and where the next meal will come from. Are the resources that can help open the same hours I work or are they only open a few hours a week? How much paperwork needs to be completed? What documentation is needed? How long will the process take? I have no car and no gas. Is there a delivery service? My food benefits have been cut and I don’t have enough money for food for the entire month. Not having answers can be extremely frustrating and even fearful.

Stigma & Shame: Stigma, the negative judgement of using community resources. What will my co-workers say? Will my family think less of me, I can’t possibly ask them for help? I don’t want someone to see me in line for a food box. I am ashamed I’m not able to provide enough food for myself or family.

Sadness & Guilt: I just can’t seem to get ahead. I don’t want to go to a food pantry every month. I’m so sad and this situation feels hopeless, not sure I can continue to fight this fight. My children rely on me to provide for them, I feel guilty for not being able to do more to adequately provide. I have failed, letting my spouse and children down.

Many in our community who are hungry and perhaps homeless, are trying desperately to form healthy non-destructive habits in their life and overcome destructive and negative behaviors. It is difficult to fight temptation, learn new skills and habits, and think clearly when hungry. We believe one component to long lasting behavioral change starts with finding enough nutritional food to eat daily. Feeling confident and being food secure is a start to a healthier lifestyle. If we can help dispel some or all of these feelings and provide hope by feeding them, the changes for healing are greatly increased.

We try to make the system a bit less daunting for those who are hungry. While we are not a direct provider to the public (apart from our Backpacks4Kids program), we do our best to supply our 65+ agencies with the food they need to help the struggling. We also work hard to educate the hungry on how to best navigate the system, working with other agencies to ensure the food we distribute reaches those in need.

With the rising costs of food and transportation, the Food Bank could use your help as we aid our agencies. We have seen a massive increase in need in the past three years and are doing our best to make a difference in our community.  Won’t you please consider helping the hungry and exhausted by donating today? Our community needs your support. Together we can help those who just need a hand up. Thank you.