I am glad that someone already coined the phrase “April showers bring May flowers” because that is certainly true! While rain may not be a cheerful forecast, especially with outdoor plans and sporting events taking place, we know that with the rain, comes the hope of something bright and beautiful – Spring. The flowers, the colors, the sunshine and warmer temperatures ahead are all things I look forward to every year. It is also interesting to reflect on the analogy that exists with something as common as the weather – and how so many use it to describe other situations and experiences. Here are a few examples that come to mind:
1. Nutrition. The “rain” in the scenario is the unfortunate reality that, as many people across the bi-state region struggle to make ends meet, one of the first, and sadly, easiest ways to save money, is by tightening their food budget. This often includes replacing high-quality produce and proteins with more affordable food choices, that while curbing hunger, are filled with ingredients and preservatives that are not the best for our minds or our bodies. The “sunshine” in this scenario came earlier this week in the form of a donation of 90,000 eggs to the St. Louis Area Foodbank, courtesy of our friends and partners at the American Egg Board, and Mid States Specialty Eggs. Eggs are a valuable source of high-quality protein and one of the most requested items we distribute. Cheers to everyone for your egg-cellent support!
2. Partial Government Shutdown. The “rain” in the scenario is that hard-working men and women, like our TSA agents, have experienced many paycheck disruptions during the past several months. They continue to show up every day, as do their bills. Rent and mortgage payments are still due, car notes, gas to get to and from work, daycare bills, utilities, and yes, food. The “sunshine” in this scenario is that our team at the St. Louis Area Foodbank sprang into action, setting up drive-through distributions of fresh produce, protein, dairy, shelf-stable items,and non-food items to assist workers who are impacted. We are humbled to serve and support these men and women, and their families, and will continue to provide a variety of food, in a dignified manner, for as long as needed.
3. Increased food costs and decreased food donations. The “rain” here is that the cost of many food items continues to rise, and overall food costs remain nearly 30% higher than pre-pandemic levels. While some food items are slowly coming down, these prices make it harder for all of us, but especially families who have lower incomes, or who are on fixed incomes. The “sunshine” in this scenario is coming this month courtesy of our friends and partners at Walmart and Sam’s Clubs. The 13th annual Walmart and Sam’s Club “Fight Hunger. Spark Change.” campaign will take place April 6 – May 3. This is Feeding America’s largest cause marketing campaign, and all funds raised from this campaign stay local – which means donations made across our 26-county service territory, will find their way back to the St. Louis Area Foodbank. There are three main ways for customers to support the campaign: product purchase of eligible items at Walmart and Sam’s Club, customer donations at checkout in store and online, and donating via a dedicated online donation page. We are truly grateful for this support, and with all funds raised locally coming directly to support the St. Louis Area Foodbank, this will mean more food that we are able to purchase, to distribute through our network of nearly 600 food pantries and our programs such as school markets, mobile distributions (F.A.R.M.S) or Food on the Move.
While we never wish for these types of “rain” events in our lives, we know that they are going to happen, and they can look different than these scenarios for sure. One thing we know for sure is that we are ever grateful for companies, volunteers, and donors that step up to bring a bit of “sunshine” to help us navigate the storms, in the form of food donations, financial support, and volunteer hours.
My challenge to you this month: Find a way to be the “sunshine” for someone who might be experiencing a storm.
To join us here at the St. Louis Area Foodbank please visit: https://stlfoodbank.org/give-help/
#FOODANDHOPE
