South Plains Food Bank Blogspot

Hope for today

2011-12-30T09:46:00.000-08:00

I have been on mission trips all over the world.

Often I explain to people that I have been to more countries in the world than states in the United States.

I have been to Malawi in Africa.

I have seen world hunger.

I have been to Mission Arlington.

I have seen inner city hunger and poverty.

I have lived in Lubbock all my life, but really didn’t know the need here until I started working at the South Plains Food Bank.

A few weeks ago in a staff meeting our Kids Cafe Executive Chef, Tammy Hester, explained that many of her sites would be closing for Christmas. Tammy and her staff cook and deliver hot, nutritious meals to 21 sites throughout Lubbock and a few surrounding counties Monday thru Friday as part of our Kids Cafe program.

For some of these kids – this after school meal is the only evening meal they will receive. It is the only thing standing between them and going to bed hungry.

Tammy explained in our staff meeting that she was worried about the kids at one site in particular. She told us they were feeding about 40 kids every day and that she already worried about they managed on the weekends, but really didn’t know how some of them would make it through Christmas without their Cafe being open.

The image of those kids stayed with several of our staff through the holidays. When we returned to work on Tuesday we talked about them and wondered how they were doing.

I posted a vague update on my Facebook page – I knew of children right here in Lubbock who are skipping meals because hunger doesn’t take a vacation.

I confess – I was shocked when an IM popped up questioning where these children are and what can be done to help them. I knew the lady on the other end of the IM from college. But we really hadn’t stayed in close contact – just kept up through Facebook really. But I knew she would do something for the kids – she had always been one to make things happen on our college campus!

Recently, Tammy and her staff have started making snack packs for a few rural sites where children there needed extra meals on the weekends. Tammy explained that if we could find someone to cover the cost of a ‘snack pack,’ which provides 4 meals and two snacks to children at the low cost of $3.47 a pack – then we could use that stuff, make up snack packs, and deliver them to the children at the site.

After explaining this to my college friend through various phone calls, emails, and Facebook messages she sprung into action. Within hours she and a few other friends had gathered the money to cover 46 snack packs.

Those ladies and their children came in today and assembled the packs and delivered them to the site.

Tonight there are 46 children in Lubbock who will go to bed with full tummies – they will go to bed knowing that someone values them and cares for them – they will go to bed with hope.

A holiday hug...

2011-12-19T11:28:00.000-08:00

One of our staff reported that he got into a hug while he was passing out a food box. I’ve heard of people getting into a fight, but never getting into a hug. It’s a risk we take every day at the South Plains Food Bank I guess. In fact... I got into a hug today. It is humbling.

People come to us burdened with lost jobs, illness, or other crises that keep them from putting food on the table for themselves and their children. Because of your generous support, we can provide food for people. It eases the burden for a moment. It gives them hope. They want to hug someone. And since you weren’t here, they hugged me instead. I was glad to receive it on your behalf.

A wonderful woman who stopped by for a food box last week sent me a sweet note. She wrote about leaving the food bank with tears in her eyes… “not from shame for asking for help, but because I saw the love of God in you and your staff…” Like I said, this can be a humbling place to work.

Your gifts to the South Plains Food Bank make such a difference in the families we serve every day. 1 in 5 people on the South Plains will be fed through you and the agencies we serve this year. It’s hard to believe, but it’s true. I hope your holidays are filled with hugs and joy.

Rachelle Grimmer

2011-12-14T14:37:00.000-08:00

I can’t stop thinking about it.

It happened more than a week ago.

A mother walked in a Texas welfare office and after a seven hour standoff shot her two children then shot and killed herself.

Rachelle Grimmer was 38 years-old.

I’m 38 years-old.

Her daughter – Ramie, 12, died of gunshot wounds a few days later on Wednesday, December 7 – Pearl Harbor Day. Her son – Timothy, 10, was removed from life support and died on Thursday, December 8.

The shooting happened Monday, December 5 – on my birthday.

I have thought, pondered, contemplated, and cried about this for more than a week.

I have been haunted.

As a former journalist I have listened and read reports by journalists covering this event.

I want to ‘make sense’ of this tragedy.

Not possible, I know.

I have heard and read hints of mental illness.

That might make me feel better on some level if I believed it.

I don’t know especially since there has been no documentation found suggesting she was mentally unstable – only a slur tossed out from her former mother-in-law, whose son – the children’s father – had been trying to take the children from their mother for years. A police report suggesting she might have some mental issues. But no proof. Even close neighbors have said that Rachelle Grimmer was not mentally ill, but rather that she was compassionate and intelligent.

I'm not sure what to believe.

That leaves me with this thought - could it be that she and her children were just hungry.

I have thought long and hard this week about Rachelle Grimmer.

I have thought about her situation; wondered at what it must feel like to be so desperate to feed your children.

I have had that moment of panic – that realization that in a few days there would be nothing to feed my child.

Monday, December 5 I was receiving hundreds of Facebook messages wishing me a Happy Birthday. I was getting calls from friends and loved ones. I knew presents, a cake, and my family would be waiting for me when I returned home from work that night.

What did she experience that day? What was it that finally made her feel hopeless, worthless, and empty that day? At what point that night did she look in the face of her children and make her decision to shot them? When did she decide to kill herself?

Monday, December 5 was the first day of the South Plains Food Bank’s U Can Share Food Drive. We raised more than 400,000 pounds of food and more than $170,000 during the week of our drive. But the community gave more than pounds and funds during our drive – they gave hope.

When we here at the food bank give out a food box, we give more than food – we give hope.

I know that food was offered to this mother during the hostage negotiations. I am sure at that point she knew she would be headed to prison and perhaps would never see her children again – the same children she had been begging the system for help to feed since July.

I wish Rachelle would have gone to her local food bank. Maybe things would be so different today.

Maybe if Rachelle had been given that box of food, that box of hope, maybe she would have felt like she had the time to gather all the documentation needed for her food stamp case.

I believe, as painful as it is, as hard as it is – i believe Rachelle Grimmer was hungry.

Rachelle Grimmer needed food for her children.

Rachelle Grimmer needed a food box.

Rachelle Grimmer needed hope.

Aloha!

2011-12-07T10:04:00.000-08:00

Aloha!

Recently I reposted on Facebook a statement made by Newt Gingrich in regards to someone using their, SNAP benefits, formerly known as food stamps to travel to Hawaii.

I had a few people leave comments. What was interesting is that my childhood friend of more than 25 years actually believed this could really happen. I refrained from commenting because I cherish her friendship and value that people do not have to support the same beliefs about things as I.

But today, after sleeping on it a few nights – I feel like I must comment in some manner.

So here it is. . .

It could never happen!

I know because I have personally received both SNAP and WIC benefits.

SNAP benefits in most states are put on a plastic card, much like a debit card. There is a set amount in the account, say $197 like in my case. I could only use those benefits at approved locations where my purchases could be regulated. There are some items, even food items that SNAP recipients are not able to purchase.

An example would be: I could purchase a TV dinner, but I could not go to the ‘food court’ of the grocery store and purchase a bbq plate or make a salad that was hot and ready to eat. I hope that makes sense.

I also could not purchase tobacco or alcoholic beverages.

So now let’s just be honest!

I had $250 of child support coming in every month. That’s it. No, really – that’s it. I had a new baby, who was born with health problems. He was sick and could not go to daycare. I could not work. We were living with my best friend who was nice enough to allow us to move in with her rent free so we weren’t out on the streets. But that was it.

I received WIC. Even those benefits were mirochipped onto a plastic credit card so those purchases could also be regulated.

I received $250 cash a month.

I received $197 in SNAP a month.

I could not have ‘freed up’ enough money to travel to Hawaii! Trust me!

Most people who receive these benefits are not cheating the system – they are not cheating us tax payers. They really need them. They are grandparents raising grandchildren. Some are just simply seniors on their own who can’t afford the increase in food prices, increase in gas costs, increase in - well everything! Some are single parents or families who are working just to make ends meet but find themselves short every month.

I doubt they swallowed their pride to stand in line after line, to jump through hoop after hoop to get a few extra dollars a month because they have this dream of going to Hawaii!

But yes, I hear you! I hear you talking about another headline – some lady who lives in a million dollar home who gets SNAP benefits. I hear you talking about the guy in front of you in line at the grocery store that just purchased five prime ribs and paid with his food stamps.

Okay, so there are a few people who are defrauding us fellow tax payers. So there are a few people who make choices at the grocery store that really is none of our business. I said we would be honest.

For those who need the benefits, for those who lose sleep every night wondering where, when, and what they are going to do for their next meal, wondering how they will feed their children – hoping no one will take their babies away from them because they were laid off and haven’t be able to find work yet. . . for those people I want to explain to the rest of you. . .

They are not planning a trip to Hawaii.

They are most likely wondering what they are going to do when their WIC and SNAP benefits run out this month and they still need food for their family. They are probably wondering if they do take this new job – with much less pay than the one they had before they got laid off – how will they make ends meet if they lose their WIC and SNAP benefits because they ‘make too much.’

Not a day goes by that I don’t think about those people – the ones who really need the help.

I needed help. And even though I received both WIC and SNAP – I still needed help.

I found it at our local Food Bank, the South Plains Food Bank where I am proud to say I now work.

Others find help from us too – about 84,000 of them last year. They came to us or one of our more than 221 agencies and they asked us for help.

We stand in the gap between them and hunger. We stand in the gap between them and homelessness. We stand in the gap between them and losing their children. We stand in the gap – period.

They dream about being able to feed their families. They dream of only working one job instead of two or three. They dream of a better life.

They are not dreaming of Hawaii.

Aloha!

Our dilemma

2011-11-01T10:36:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, before Halloween, I had the privilege of hearing Michael Pollan speak. Our CEO, David Weaver, had recommended Pollan’s book Omnivore’s Dilemma to me when I was looking at possible alternative diet solutions for my family.

Pollan was charming, witty, and full of humorous stories as he creatively spun his tale about the origins and writing of each of his published books. Along the way he sprinkled interesting facts and painted pictures of potato farms that make a french fry seem anything but a complacent spud lying on our plate.

One of the facts he tossed out was that as Americans we are only using about 6 to 7 percent of our income for food purchases, which is the least amount paid for this budget item in American history. That is also the least paid in the world.

My brain began to turn.

Why, then, are 49 million Americans food insecure? How can they not know where there next meal is coming from?

I wanted to ask my question during the question and answer time, but I was a little too intimidated by Pollan’s brilliance and the solid out Allen Theater to venture to ask such a question.

But I had to know.

After the event I had a few moments with Pollan to ask my question, which is really to say that I held up the book signing line, but who cares – I needed an answer.

So as he signed my books, I asked him my questions.

His response was two-fold and quite simple, and yet will probably never happen in my lifetime.

First, Pollan said, agriculture has to be about growing food to feed people and less about agri-business.

Second, he said, people have to be paid livable wages.

Pollan was extremely entertaining and I’m glad I forked over the $30 for me and my best friend to hear him speak. But more than entertaining, his words are still causing conversations between us about food, nutrition, sustainability and why we as an American society cannot end hunger in our country.

By-the-way, my best friend will no longer eat any kind of potato unless it is organic – and others would give anything for any kind of potato or scrap to feed their child.

This is our dilemma.

Class Reunion

2011-08-11T12:40:00.000-07:00

Over the summer, several high schools in the area have been having class reunions. I enjoy going to my class reunions. It's a chance to touch base with friends I grew up with. After high school, it is amazing how we all scatter to start jobs, attend college or just plain get away.

I see high school friends from time to time at the food bank, usually they are coming to volunteer with children or grandchildren or maybe drop off a food donation. On those occasions, we have our own "mini-reunion."

A couple of weeks ago, I saw Beau, an old friend from high school. Everybody loved Beau. He had a quick wit and an easy smile. The quick wit and easy smile were still there, but life has been filled with challenges for my friend. He has had his share of problems with substance abuse. One of our agencies is helping Beau get back on his feet. At the moment, he needed some food, so they brought him to the food bank.

Beau and I had our mini-reunion. We reminisced for a few minutes sharing a few stories and catching up. Then it was time for him to go. We loaded his food into a car. He winked at me and said, "Someday, I'll make it. Don't give up on me." I promised I never would.

As Beau left, I thought about the statistics: more than 1 in 6 people in Lubbock will be helped by the food bank and our agencies. The reality of that number hit home. Everyone we serve is someone's friend, brother, sister, mother, father.

That also means that our volunteers, donors, and staff that support South Plains Food Bank are touching 1 in 6 people in our community -- providing food and hope. Sometimes the challenges of feeding the hungry seem insurmountable. Beau is a reminder to not give up. We'll make it.

Midnight snack...

2011-06-13T01:55:00.000-07:00

It is 4 a.m.

No, really it is 4 a.m.

I brought my computer home over the weekend to work on a few things because I had some time to make up that I missed last week.

So really it is 4 a.m and I am typing away on my work laptop at my coffee table - with a 'midnight' snack sitting next to me.

Something so 'normal' - working late into the night; maybe not even really so hungry as you are tired, but you find yourself staring at the inside of your frig anyway! You grab something easy, quick like some cheese. Um...open the pantry to find some crackers to go with it.

Awake but tired - you really could find it all in your sleep or with barely a light on in the kitchen - you always keep the cheese in the middle left deli/cheese crisper of the frig and the crackers are always on the bottom shelf to the right in the pantry.

You go ahead and pour just a little bit more soda over the ice you already have in your glass...your mouth kind of waters at the thought of that first drink and how it burns your throat going down. You're really not going to be up much longer so you pour just a little.

A few minutes later you find your work complete and your snack devoured. You head off to bed.

The midnight snack.

For every 1 in 6 Americans the simple, normal midnight snack is out of reach.

For the 50 million Americans struggling against hunger - the midnight snack is nothing more than a dream...

In the meantime

2011-06-06T14:32:00.000-07:00

"As soon as I'm able, I'm going to get back to work… but in the meantime, I am so glad you are here!"

Cheryl stopped by the South Plains Food Bank to pick up a box of food for herself and her family. Cheryl is a middle aged woman with an engaging smile and a big heart. She loves to garden and never imagined in her wildest dreams she would be getting her "groceries" from the food bank. As a matter of fact, before she and her husband moved here from Ohio for a job, they volunteered at a food pantry in their church.

Almost as soon as they arrived here, her husband began feeling bad. It turns out he has cancer, a cancer that saps his strength. His illness forced him to quit his job. Cheryl has nothing but praise for the doctors taking care of her husband, but all the same, the bills are mounting up. As bad as that is, Cheryl fell and broke her ankle which means she isn't able to work right now either.

My friend Charlie Johnson once explained that we live life in the meantime; that time when hope is waiting on the promise of a brighter tomorrow. None of us expect to find ourselves in the meantime, but it is the meantime that defines who we are and who we are to become.

Cheryl's dream is to get back to work, to get out of debt, to get healthy, but in the meantime, she needs help in the form of food. We all have dreams and hopes we are waiting for, but in the meantime, we help one another. Sometimes that help is something as simple as a box of food and someone to listen.

At the South Plains Food Bank, we don't always know when we will meet "Cheryl" but we will. So what do we do in the meantime? We get ready. We collect food. We build up hope. We live in the meantime.

- David Weaver

SPFB Dry Food Box

2011-06-06T14:26:00.001-07:00

IMAG0043, a photo by davidweaverjr on Flickr.

Packed for the meantime.

Want vs. Need

2011-05-20T08:58:00.000-07:00

1 in 6.

1 in 6 Americans is touched by a food bank.

I am one.

I live in fear every month that I am not going to have enough money to provide everything we need for the month. And yes, I tease my mother all the time that I know the difference between want and need: I want a haircut; my son needs insulin! I get it the difference really.

Occassionally, when I am online, I will read those cost saving articles - "How to trim $100 a month from your budget," or "50 ways to save $2,000 a year." I have to laugh because most of the time I am doing everything they have listed! There's no where to trim or save in my budget!

I live in fear. There is not a dime to spare in my budget. Rent, utilities, gas, groceries, medical bills, student loans, car payment, car insurance, monthly prescriptions, and doctor bills take everything I make. Really, they do.

I am not one paycheck from being homeless. I am one extra prescription a month; I am one more doctor visit a month; I am one more medical bill away from being homeless. One more thing added to my plate and we can't afford to live on our own.

And I am not alone. There are thousands of Americans just like me.

1 and 6 Americans is touched by a food bank.

They are people who are not one paycheck away - they are one more thing away from needing help.

The baby gets sick; the car breaks down; they begin taking care of aging parents; their hours got cut at work...it was just one more thing added to their plate.

Their plate is full of everything, but food because they are forced to choose between medicine for their child and food.

They live in fear. They live totally stressed out; stressed out about how they are going to make ends meet this paycheck.

1 and 6 Americans is touched by a food bank.

Do you know one?

I am glad Spring is here

2011-03-25T14:22:00.000-07:00

When it came to things poetic, I am obtuse. A couple of days ago, however, I came across this poem by Robert Frost. The next day I stopped by the South Plains Food Bank Farm and our Apple Orchard. The GRUB Kids have been getting the farm ready for our growing season. Debbie Cline, our Farm Manager, has already harvested some asparagus. Onions are planted. Lettuce and cabbage are growing. Tulips are about to bloom.

At the Apple Orchard, 2,500 trees have been pruned. The trees are leafing out. The Jonagold Apple Trees are beginning to bloom.The Orchard is taking off!

The produce that comes from the farm and the orchard will wind up providing tasty treats for the clients of the South Plains Food Bank... at least that's the hope. I don't know what kinds of flood, droughts, hail storms, freezes, or pest we will have in the weeks and months to come but for the moment, we are full of hope. The hope of new beginnings.

I am glad Spring is here.

A Prayer in Spring
Robert Frost

OH, give us pleasure in the flowers to-day;
And give us not to think so far away
As the uncertain harvest; keep us here
All simply in the springing of the year.
Oh, give us pleasure in the orchard white,
Like nothing else by day, like ghosts by night;
And make us happy in the happy bees,
The swarm dilating round the perfect trees.
And make us happy in the darting bird
That suddenly above the bees is heard,
The meteor that thrusts in with needle bill,
And off a blossom in mid air stands still.
For this is love and nothing else is love,
The which it is reserved for God above
To sanctify to what far ends He will,
But which it only needs that we fulfil.

Neighbors

2011-01-14T13:02:00.000-08:00

Do you ever struggle with the question, "who is my neighbor?" Every day at the South Plains Food Bank I see people stopping by to pick up a food box. I see people at our Kids Cafe sites or Community Kitchens. And every day when I see these people, I get a reminder that my neighbor is whoever is in need.

Paul is one of the neighbors I have come to know over the years. When he is able, Paul volunteers at the food bank. He is a Viet Nam War vet and one of the sweetest and kindest men I have ever known. But life has been a been a hard struggle. Illness has kept him from holding down a full time job. I had not seen Paul for nearly a year when he and his wife stopped by the food bank a couple of days before Christmas.

Paul has always been cheerful and fun to talk with. He always promises to return to volunteer when he can. Sometimes he comes back, sometimes he doesn't.

But this time when I saw Paul, the sparkle had gone out of his eyes. He has been losing weight. His clothes now hang on him. He didn't want to talk about himself though. He wanted to know about my family and how things were going around the food bank.

As we loaded up a food box for Paul and his wife, he looked at me and told me to tell everybody thank you. "You know David, we couldn't make it without this food. You know what I mean?" I know exactly what he means. Life can be brutal for people who are hungry and hurting. Sometimes the best we can do is to be a neighbor to our neighbors in need... to feed them, to love them, to hold out hope for a better year to come.

Thinking about my friend Paul, I am so grateful for neighbors who care. I am passing on Paul's message.

Thank you to all our volunteers who took time to help!

Some refried beans...

2010-12-18T09:38:00.000-08:00

Each year, youngsters from area schools donate canned and non-perishable foods to the South Plains Food Bank through the U-Can Share Food Drive. It is an exciting and fun time of the year to see the kids get involved with different ways to collect food.

Out of the hundreds of thousands of cans we received this December, one caught the eye of a volunteer at the U-Can Share site. It was a can of refried beans with a message:"I hope this makes you better."

That sums up the work of the South Plains Food Bank, especially this time of the year. As we take this can and combine it with others to make our food boxes, there is the message for the people we serve. It is this, "we hope the box of food you receive from us -- whether a child, a senior citizen, or a out of work family -- makes you better. Better by feeding your body but also better by feeding your spirit. People on the South Plains care about you."

I never new canned refried beans could taste so good.

Missing meals...

2010-10-27T07:24:00.000-07:00

I, too, - like SPFB CEO David Weaver - am taking the Texas "SNAP" (formerly known as food stamps) Challenge. It has been a challenge that has brought back LOTS of feelings and emotions...

Just this past July, I ended 18 months of myself and my son relying on SNAP benefits. I am not that far off from the panic and anxiety that I lived with day in and day out - worrying that my son was going to have enough to eat. That kind of fear and worry does something to you... no one should have to live on that kind of emotional roller coaster.

So here I am again, living on a food stamp budget... and again - we are doing with out lots.

When I first shopped, I didn't include my 2 1/2 year-old son in my budget - but my housemate jumped on board.

Then after much discussion we decided to include Connor because we face a reality that many on SNAP probably face...(more on that in a moment) and so we went back to the drawing board and "reshopped!"

So now, we are not only dealing with a very limited budget for two adults and a toddler - but also have to budget for the special dietary needs for Connor, my toddler son, who is a type 1 diabetic.

Now a whole new ball game, but most likely a reality that some SNAP families face!

With $62.70 - cash and not a penny more - we headed to the stores...

We shopped for Connor first; making sure we had the specialty items we felt he should and has to have for these five days... a little bit of real juice to treat low sugars; then a no sugar flavored drink for everyday drinking. Then his snacks, because he has to have snacks between meals and before bed to keep his sugars stable. Next breakfast... we had to go with his usual TLC breakfast bars instead of less expensive off-brands because the TLC bars have no added high fructose corn syrup, which drives his sugars up along with other breakfast foods for him. Anyway, the list goes on...

We figured about half of our budget would go for Connor's special needs. We paid for all of that first and then took it to the car so that we would know exactly to the penny how much we had left for the two of us...

$21.77 - for two adults for five days.

But then we decided to stash $10 - just in case Connor ran out of something or we needed something for him in an emergency.

$11.77 - for two adults for five days.

Bottom line...

We are missing meals.

Not eating what I want but probably what I need on the Texas Food Stamp Challenge

2010-10-26T19:50:00.000-07:00

I've taken up the Texas Food Stamp Challenge to see if I can make it five days eating on the average daily “benefit” of someone receiving food stamps, now known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. For the first three days, I have a daily budget of $4.50/day. Because Congress is considering cutting the benefit when they reconvene after the election, my “benefit” reduces to $3.70/day for the last two days.

After consulting numerous experts – my wife,Keren, who loves to cook, and Jerry, my friend who makes a habit of eating strange things (he's fanatic Irishman, a running fanatic, a fanatic mathematician, and a vegetarian) – about good nutrition on a limited budget, I headed to the grocery store Sunday and purchased the following items spending a mere $15.26 of my $20.90 budget for the week.

Organic Soy Milk (½ gal) $1.98

Peter Pan Peanut Butter (1 lb.) $1.58 (cheaper than the store brand!)

100% Whole Wheat Bread $1.48

Cabbage Head (2.6 lb.) $1.41

Cilantro (a bunch) $0.48

3 Bananas (1.25 lb.) $0.49 (on sale!)

1 Pound bulk rice $0.78

1 Pound Lentils $0.98

1 Pound Pinto Beans $0.68

1 Pound Garden Rotini $1.00

Oatmeal (18 oz) $1.18

Dozen Eggs $0.94

Coffee (11 oz. Grnd) $2.28

At Jerry's suggestion, I spent another $2.78 to buy broccoli, zucchini, some limes and a couple of apples. Apparently he thought a steady diet of beans, rice, and oatmeal might get a little boring.

So far, so good. The biggest problem has been my daughter, Grace, poaching off my plate. Breakfast and lunch have been pretty easy. Either oatmeal and banana (only a half though) or scrambled eggs and dry toast (Keren made some Mixed Berry Jam that I keep eying though.) Lunch has been a peanut butter and banana sandwich. (Today I made a fried egg sandwich... yum.) Add a little coffee and maybe some soy milk, and my meal cost for breakfast and lunch has been less than a dollar a day. Not bad.

Dinners have been fun. First day was lentils and rice topped with sauteed cabbage and onions. Sounds gross but it was actually pretty good. Grace said I should have done more cabbage. (Keren had a different opinion.) Last night was pasta with sauteed broccoli, zucchini and onions topped with some lime juice and some beans. (Is this the same as Cincinnati Chili?)

Someone asked me if I have been eating what I wanted on the Texas Food Stamp Challenge. I replied I had been getting everything I needed but not necessarily what I wanted. Since I'm preparing my meals at home, I'm probably eating a more balanced and healthier diet than I normally do. (Potato chips in my mind fit in nicely with a vegetarian diet, but I can't afford them on the challenge.) I've also cut out between meal snacks and desserts. Extravagances I want but can't afford. Maybe what I want really isn't what I need. I 'm feeling pretty good.

This evening it was beans and rice garnished with cilantro and a side dish of sweet and sour cabbage wedges. My after dinner snack was 8 oz of Soy Milk. I need the calories and protein.

Grace and Keren decided to go to Thai Pepper (my favorite Thai food place in Lubbock) and bring their meal back so we could eat as a family. Their real motivation I suspect was to see if they could tempt me to cheat by eating off their plates. I offered them some of my cabbage instead.

David Weaver

South Plains Food Bank

Taking the Texas Food Bank Challenge

2010-10-22T20:33:00.000-07:00

Vangelia Perryman, our SPFB e-communicator, called me today with an innocent question: “Hey David, I have a question... Are you going to do the ‘Texas Food Bank Challenge?’” I said sure... what is it?

The idea of the challenge is feed yourself for five days using the average daily amount available to people enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as food stamps). The current benefit is $4.50 per day.

Of course there is a twist. Congress is currently considering cutting SNAP benefits to “pay” for the Child Nutrition Reauthorization Bill and some Medicaid funding.( I guess the idea is that hungry people won’t mind going a little hungerier to feed the poor.) So for two days, the benefit is reduced to $3.70 a day to reflect the impact of the Congressional Cuts. It didn’t take me long to realize that I would have $20.90 for food for five days.

“OK,” I thought. I can do that. Seventy-five percent of the people we serve at the South Plains Food Bank also receive SNAP benefits. I thought of the resources they tap into ranging from food boxes from our agencies, meals at soup kitchens, produce we give away from our farm and orchard. It shouldn’t be too hard.

Then Vangelia hit me with the “rules.” I can’t accept “charity” from friends, family, or even kind strangers. And I can only use food I purchase with my food stamp “allocation.” The real rules for people receiving food stamps are 1) you earn less than 130% of the federal poverty guidelines, 2) you have very limited assets, 3) you have been a U. S. citizen or legal immigrant for a least five years.

I protested that if charity is available to help food stamp recipients it should be available to me as well! Then she pointed out that I only qualify to receive food stamps on one point, I’ve been a US citizen for more than five years! “Use up your retirement account ,” she said,”sell your car get rid of your house and we can talk. Oh, and expect a pay cut!” Give me a break.

So now I’m planning my menu for the challenge. The reality of my spur of the moment decision is starting to sink in. I won’t be stopping by Starbucks for a cup of Pikes Place this week. That’s nearly half my daily allocation. I might stop by McDonald’s because they give me the senior coffee special. (It’s irritating that they just assume I qualify... but that’s another story.) When the Congressional cuts come into play, I won’t even be able to do that. I may be pretty cranky by the end of the week.

I love to hear your thoughts and ideas on how I should plan for the challenge. I’m a vegetarian, I love chocolate (I even like chocolate drizzled on vegetables), and I like to run. If you were in my running shoes, how should I be planning to make it through the week on my Food Stamp Diet?

David Weaver

South Plains Food Bank

One in Six

2010-10-10T16:59:00.000-07:00

Feeding America projects that one in six Americans are food insecure and may need assistance from Food Banks this year. That’s an incredible number… one that surely has to be wrong until I think about the increase in the number of people we have been serving in the past couple of years. Then I wonder if one in six is too conservative.
Recently I met a young professional volunteering at the food bank. Looking at him you would never think Mike had ever had a problem in his life. Handsome, confident, married with two beautiful young children. We talked about this and that and then I asked him why he was volunteering at the food bank. He got quiet… and began to tell his story.
Mike’s parents divorced when he was in grade school. Although child support payments were few and far between, he never realized he was growing up “poor.” Mike told me he knew he had the “best” Mom in the world. She would let him and his brother eat oatmeal at dinner and sometimes popcorn for breakfast.
He didn’t understand that was all they had in their pantry. He never noticed that his Mom didn't eat the oatmeal or popcorn. Later he would find out that his Mom would go two or three days skipping meals to make sure her children ate. He wished there had been a food bank to help when he was growing up.
One in six is unbelievable until you start talking with your neighbors who have been one of the “ones.”

This Guy

2010-09-09T15:23:00.000-07:00

Officially, Denise is our Social Services Outreach Liaison for the South Plains Food Bank. What that means is she helps people navigate the “system” to get other kinds of food assistance for people beyond what we can provide through the Food Bank. Each month, Denise logs a bunch of miles as she reaches out to people in all the counties we serve. And as you know, in some parts of the South Plains we have miles and miles of miles and miles before the next town.

Toward the end of last month, Denise was contacted by a case worker for Lubbock MHMR asking if she would meet with one of their clients, a young man named Roy who recently moved to Lubbock to be close to his family. Denise set up an appointment to meet with Roy. Here is her story about meeting “This Guy”:

When I arrived for our appointment I met “this guy.” He is the sweetest young man with nicest manner you could ask for. He had just moved here from New York. His mother had remarried a man from Lubbock. His MHMR worker was helping him with transition. Even with help from MHMR, it has been a difficult adjustment.

On one of his visits, Roy case worker from MHMR could tell that Roy wasn’t eating right. Most of the fixed income he receives was going to help pay rent and purchase medicines with precious little left over for food.

I helped him fill out an application for food-stamps. He kept repeating over and over, “Mam, are you sure? Are you sure this is ok? If someone else needs it, I don’t have to get it.” I reassured him it was ok and that he deserved it too.

To make a long story short, Roy qualified for food stamps. After his first trip to the grocery store, he called me and said, “Thank you! I got to eat today!”

And… well, even though the days are sometimes long and the miles go on and on, I totally forget about all of that. I am thankful for the Lord placing me here to help people like “This Guy!”

According to the Feeding America Hunger Study released earlier this year, the South Plains Food Bank and our network of partner agencies will touch 84,000 people in some form or fashion this year. Knowing “This Guy” is one of them keeps our work real.

Hope

2010-07-20T11:32:00.000-07:00

Monday I visited with a boy at a local Boys and Girls Club here in Lubbock. We are currently working on a video project for the Food Bank, so there was another staff member with me as well as our camera man.

As this young man and I continued to visit he really began to open up about what a difficult time his mother has been having since she lost her job. And then I heard him say something that I just couldn't believe.

"I didn't eat yesterday," he said as if talking about the weather. "I didn't eat at all yesterday until I came here for breakfast."

He hadn't eaten because it had been Sunday and the Summer Feeding Program at the Boys and Girls Club where he attends during the week had been closed for the weekend.

This video project has opened my eyes to a whole new world - a family of seven living in a three bedroom 700 sq.ft. house; having to make choices EVERYDAY between food and gas in the car to go look for a job - between food and rent - between food and activities for the kids - between food and school supplies. This project has introduced me to grandparents and parents who sacrifice themselves; go to bed hungry; do whatever it takes so their little ones have a roof over their heads, clothes on their backs, and food in their bellies.

I have found some who are not able to provide even the basics. I have sat in households where two meals a day is considered a treat and water is not just used to hydrate the kids as they play, but also a cheap way to trick their tummies into thinking they are full.

Today I sat down a cried because I have so little to give. But when I explain services to them and they realize we have a school supply drive coming up, and there are places were they can get some school clothes for their children, and that there is help available I know I am able to give them something.

The only thing I can give them is hope. I can only give that to them because of the kindness of everyone of you who gives food, gives money, gives time, and gives your voice to the South Plains Food Bank and our more than 220 agencies.

Free Food

2010-06-26T08:17:00.000-07:00

The Lubbock Avalanche Journal published an article about the Summer Food Service Program provided by the South Plains Food Bank. It provides summer meals for children in need at sites like Boys and Girls Clubs, YWCA, and day camps in low income neighborhoods.

Funding for the program comes through the Texas Department of Agriculture and USDA. Below the online version of the article one person wrote a comment called “Free Food: I sure hope none of their parents have cell phones, cable TV, laptops, brand new cars, drink beer or smoke.” Those aren’t questions we ask of the kids when they come to the sites. All we know is that we want to provide nutritious meals for kids who would do without regardless of what their parents or grandparents have or don’t have.

The term “Free Food” caught my attention. Food Banks and our agencies don’t distribute “free food.” There really is not a free lunch. But there is food freely given.

Roughly 40% of the food we distribute comes through federal programs such as TEFAP. Those programs assist low income children, seniors, homeless, and working families. Like most federal nutrition programs, they reflect our nation’s values that we provide a safety net for the most vulnerable and also support our nation’s farmers to insure food security at a reasonable price for all of us.

But 60% of the food we distribute comes from private donations from individuals, grocers in our community, and national food manufacturers who give through Feeding America. It is food that helps people in our communities —people on the cusp of food security. This food fills the hunger gap when the pantry is empty. Sometimes it’s enough. Sometimes it’s not.

The reasons people are hungry and food and insecure are myriad. Economic forces are at work over which they have no control. People make poor life choices which are totally within their control. There are physical and mental challenges that leave people unable to provide for themselves for a while… or for a life time. We can’t ever solve all the situations that create food insecurity and hunger for our friends and neighbors. But here’s what I know: if people are hungry, they don’t have the strength to overcome the forces at work on them, robbing them of dignity, hope and the ability to change their lives if they can. You and I can do something to change that.

People give food to the hungry for many reasons, reflecting a range of values. No one makes them do it. It is food freely given much like grace. I’m pretty sure I don’t understand grace… or why people give food to feed their neighbors. But both are freely given and I am grateful.

Providing 40 Meals Is As Easy As . . . CAKE!

2010-05-21T13:17:00.000-07:00

According to our friends at CAKE, an anonymous donor has purchased 6 DOZEN "Tasty Hasty" Charity Cupcakes from CAKE. The Charity Cupcakes benefit the South Plains Food Bank's Kids Cafe Program; which provides a free hot nutritious to children after school.

The CAKE ladies were asked to deliver the 6 dozen Charity Cupcakes to the teachers of Whiteside Elementary School located on Albany Ave. just off Slide Road in Lubbock.

This very generous person was listening to Chad Hasty on KFYO radio when he was talking about the recent Lubbock DJ who took money for a fake charity. This person decided something should be done for a DJ and a small business (CAKE cupcakery) who are serious about helping children in need!

This compassionate person is a fan of the Chad Hasty Show, CAKE cupcakery, and the Tasty Hasty cupcakes. So, the decision was made to help feed the hungry children of the South Plains.

So one very deranged DJ has unwittingly set the kind hearted of Lubbock into action - ending hunger one child at a time!

Since 100 percent of the sale of the Tasty Hasty ( and Saturday's Charity Cupcakes, too) goes to Kids Cafe - this donor has provided 40 hot meals for children after school.

Take a Walk in My Shoes

2010-04-28T11:39:00.000-07:00

I realized something this past weekend.

Before I faced financial hardships in my life - it really was the little stuff I took for granted.

Stopping at Taco Villa for a medium coke - and not having to check to see if it was happy hour!

Pulling into the gas station and just fillin' her up - instead of just putting in $5, $10, or whatever change I could did up.

Shopping at the grocery store and being able to purchase the garlic-parmesan cheese bread from the bakery - instead of the 'regular' bread on the bread aisle or worse, the bakery thrift store.

Poverty was difficult to swallow. Hunger was even worse.

Although those times are behind me, I want to share with you - give you an inside glimpse into Hunger and Poverty. I want to spend several of my next blogs introducing you to my old friends. You see, I have discovered that even here - in our Food Banking world - we often talk about these two as subjects or causes to rally rally around. They are not. For many of our clients they are their first thought of the day as they hear their child's tummy growl as they send them to school without breakfast and no dinner the night before. Some of our clients take Hunger and Poverty to their pharmacy as they are forced to make choices about medication or meals.

Hunger and Poverty were my secret. Like most of our clients, I didn't want people to see how bad things were for me. I didn't want people to know I was seven moths pregnant and sleeping on the floor of my one bedroom apartment because I had sold all my stuff to pay rent. No one knew the night I came home and flipped the light switch and nothing happened. No lights, no heat and there I found myself in a dark, cold apartment as the snow began to fall outside.

The things I went through really don't even hold a candle to some of the obstacles our clients face. I really can't even begin to imagine how they feel, but I want you to take a journey with me. See just a peek of what they go through. Please, come take a walk in my shoes.

Stories

2010-03-31T12:04:00.000-07:00

I spent yesterday out of the office with people, Erin and Bob, from the organization that produces our hard-copy (or paper copy) newsletter. They come in about once a year and gather all the stories and photos they need then head back to California where they write, Photoshop, and lay everything out for us.

I enjoyed meeting both Bob and Erin and feel like we are already old friends. They both touched my life and made a hectic day loads of fun.

But they are not the only people who touched my life yesterday. As we made our way around several agencies that work with the South Plains Food Bank, I met many people whose faces are still with me today.

Irma and her son who were able to get food from the food pantry at Trinity Outreach. He was holding on to a box of cereal - clutching it to his chest as though it was a prized possession. I feel certain it was to him.

Bobby, who has been looking for a job since being released from prison. He is working temp jobs as he can find them to get by until he can find full-time employment.

Sharee, in the last stages of AIDS and a recovering addict. She kept talking about her dog being her only friend and told us about the birthday she spent alone without friends, family, gifts, or cake to celebrate her life.

There were so many stories yesterday that moved me and I found myself exhausted last night as I crawled into bed. But as I laid there in bed, under the warmth of covers and a nice soft mattress, I was again thankful for those who have reached out to help Connor and I so that we are not homeless or hungry.

Thank you to all of our agencies who assist us in alleviating hunger and giving hope to the hungry.

Let them eat CAKE. . .

2010-03-18T08:24:00.000-07:00

Well cupcakes that is - from a bakery that specializes in cupcakes (which I guess makes it a cupcakery!) CAKE by distinctive details is located at 8201 Quaker Avenue in the Kingsgate Center - kind of tucked in the corner by Banana Republic. This cozy little cupcakery is home to the sweetest cupcakes in town. These delicious treats are made from scratch every morning using owner Linda Kay's famous - award winning - wedding cake recipes.

This artist and Texas Tech graduate has taken cupcakes to a distinctive new level. She creates a new menu every week, which she posts to her blog, and is open Tuesday thru Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or until she is sold out, which happens!

While I could talk for days about the lucious coconut cupcakes, or the chocolate peanut butter heavenly cupcake I enjoyed by the fire Monday evening with a cup of coffee, or the birthday surprise cupcake I reluctantly shared with my dad on his birthday last Saturday I will stop boring you with those mouth watering details.

What I will tell you is that Linda Kay also bakes cupcakes to end hunger! That's right - every Friday and Saturday Linda Kay and her amazing staff labor over batter and frosting to help feed children across the South Plains. She calls these special cupcakes her charity cupcakes and 100% of the money - not profits - but all the money from the sale of these tasty treats goes to support our Kids Cafe program. It is a creative way to make a difference in the lives of kids, who otherwise would probably go home after school and go to bed hungry because their families do not have the money to provide an evening meal.

Every Friday and Saturday you can make a difference in the lives of hungry children by treating yourself or a friend to a charity cupcake. On Friday the cupcakes are the famous Tasty Hasty - named after KFYO morning talk show guru Chad Hasty. They are a moist snickerdoodle cake with a chocolate bourbon frosting and lightly dusted with little red sprinkles. On Saturday the charity cakes are a surprise - pretty much what ever Linda Kay and her staff feel like making. Last week it was a buttery yellow cake with either a smiley face or sunflower designed with her creamy buttercream frosting.

Stop by every Friday and Saturday to help Kids Cafe, but really you can't go wrong ever just popping in and visiting Linda Kay. Treat yourself anytime - she also makes some of her goodies in smaller sizes so you get all the taste with room to sample more flavors!

See ya later today at CAKE!

SOMEHOW IT GETS TO BE TOMORROW

2010-03-02T08:16:00.000-08:00

Andy Wilkerson sent me a copy of Michael Ventura's article that appeared in the Austin Chronicle on Feb. 26, 2010. Michael is a friend of the South Plains Food Bank and gave me permission to pass on his article.

MICHAEL VENTURA
LETTERS AT 3AM –
SOMEHOW IT GETS TO BE TOMORROW
Austin Chronicle – February 26, 2010

    That headline is the title of a 1963 Stirling Silliphant Route 66 script shot in Corpus Christi, Texas. There was a Ten Commandments plaque in front of City Hall and no one objected. A gas station advertised premium for 23 cents a gallon and regular for 20 cents. But the story remains contemporary: two homeless kids on the run. And it ended poignantly: It’s night; the kids are still on the run; by morning they will certainly be hungry.
   What people who haven’t been poor don’t get about poverty is that for the poor, crisis is continual and becomes usual – a tempo of crises that on the one hand make you tense as hell and on the other hand is almost dull in its constancy. You go from day to night to day and if it’s not one thing it’s another – like a supper for five of mayonnaise sandwiches on cheap bread the evening that the electricity is cut because an absent father didn’t pay. That kind of thing. Over and over. If you’re a kid, you watch your mother ache at your deprivation, and you try to protect her. If you’re the parent, the caring parent, the shame and guilt damn near kill you – you feel it’s your fault even when you’re caught in an economic storm not remotely of your making. Kid or adult, the feeling of “somehow it gets to be tomorrow” is all that gets you to tomorrow.
    Those mayonnaise sandwiches are a rotten memory. So my stomach clenches, literally, when I pick my town’s paper, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal (Feb. 3), and read on the front page how “84,000 people in the Lubbock area are receiving food assistance.” I don’t live in one of the better parts of town. Whatever word is opposite of “gentrification,” that’s my neighborhood. That front-page story is, inevitably, about some of my neighbors. (“Neighbor” is a word we’ll get to later.) And my monthly contributions to the South Plains Food Bank don’t make me feel any better.
    Lubbock County, in the 2000 census, had a population of 242,628 (Wikepedia). There must be at least 25,000 more now. So 84,000 seeking food assistance is roughly one out of three. Thirty-five percent of households served have children under age 18, and “57 percent… report having to choose between paying for food and paying for utilities.” The Avalanche-Journal’s killer statistic: “45 percent of the households include at least one employed adult.” For many Americans a job isn’t enough anymore. Not enough to eat enough.
    In the Chronicle on Feb. 5 (see “Point Austin,” News), Michael King reported that in the 21 counties of Central Texas “one in three food bank clients is a child.” My God, one in three. “[A]lmost half (43%) of the families needing emergency food aid have at least one working adult at home. …One in five families experienced the physical pain of hunger… Texas was among 20 states with food hardship rates of 20% or higher” – 20 states! – “and 27.2% of Texas families reported difficulty affording food.” More than one in four.
    Hunger wasn’t mentioned in the president’s State of the Union address nor in the Republicans’ response. But hunger has become a national crisis.
    The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles reports that “more than 1 million people… go hungry each day in Los Angeles” (Los Angeles Daily News online, Nov. 23, 2009). That report notes that in the San Fernando Valley “families seeking [food] assistance increased 60 percent in October over the last year, and 80 percent for the same month in 2007.” At the largest Valley food bank, “86 percent of the 30,000 hungry served each month are children.” More than 26,000 kids.
    In New York City “an estimated 1.3 [million] New Yorkers now rely on soup kitchens (which provide hot meals) and food pantries (which give away food). The number of people having trouble paying for food has increased 60% to 3.3 [million], since 2003… More than half of New York City’s households with children have difficulty affording enough food. A staggering one in five of the city’s children, 397,000 small people, rely on soup kitchens” (The Economist, Jan. 14, p.35). And, in that article: “The Food Bank’s main office is just steps away from some of the firms who were given federal bail-outs.”
    “[A]bout 280,000 Long Islanders needed [food assistance] last year… Thirty-nine percent were children under 18” (The New York Times, Feb. 10, p.24). That’s roughly 109,000 Long Island kids.
   The hardship is national. One in eight Americans. One in eight – 37 million – “got food assistance over the course of a year, an increase of 46% (The New York Times, Feb. 3, p.19).” “Nearly one in five Americans said they lacked the money to buy food at some point last year (The New York Times, Jan. 27, p.16).” One in five.
    Unemployment is running at 9% or 10%. But, as Bob Herbert reported (The New York Times, Feb. 9, p.27), those figures don’t tell the real story. “The unemployment rate of the lowest [income] group, [with] annual household incomes of $12,499 or less… was a staggering 30.8 percent. That’s more than five points higher than the overall jobless rate at the height of the Depression. The next lowest group, with incomes of $12,500 to $20,000, had an unemployment rate of 19.1 percent.” Middle-income families “had a jobless rate of 9 percent.” “[T]he largest and fastest-growing population of poor people in the U.S. is in the suburbs” (The New York Times, Jan. 23, p.21).”
    Meanwhile, “1 in 5 lost health insurance in the past year (Reuters online, Dec. 16, 2009).” As for the jobs outlook: “one in four executives said they planned to cut jobs this year” (The Week, Feb. 12, p.37). And “one in 50 Americans now lives in a household with a reported income that consists of nothing but a food-stamp card” (The New York Times, Jan. 3, p.1).” States across the country are in budget crises, forced to cut services drastically. “Nearly 88,000 people had their homes repossessed in January… [and] more than four million homes [are in the foreclosure process] (The New York Times, Feb. 15, p.20).” The Republicans respond with, among other things, a determined effort to gut Medicare (The New York Times, Feb.12, p.31).
    And on and on and on – I could fill pages with this stuff -- while we are fight two expensive wars and fight them lavishly. In Afghanistan, “American commanders… have at their disposal a slush fund, worth hundreds of millions of dollars, known as Commanders Emergency Response Programme (CERP). This can be used for any number of schemes – from roads to clinics and schools – that help win local support (The Economist, May 24, 2008, p.37).” Incredibly, at such a moment of national want, this president “is spending more on defence than his predecessors” (The Economist, Feb. 6, p.34).
    In the Oval Office there is an inability, since last year’s Recovery Act, to accomplish much of anything domestically. In Congress, we see little but selfishness, cowardice, and fanaticism. Both parties share a grandiosity in foreign policy, which we can in no way afford. Our leaders seem to believe they’re governing some other country, some fiction of America. Political critique is beside the point in a political atmosphere that deserves – indeed, cries out for -- analysis by psychotherapists.
    And here, in the Texas Panhandle, in a county of less than 300,000, 84,000 of my neighbors need the donations of their neighbors to feed themselves. On Long Island, 230,000. In Los Angeles and New York, millions. In Texas as a whole, more than 1 in 4 families. Hundreds and hundreds of thousands of children. Ignored, not seen, in the State of the Union. Not seen by either party. Not one national figure speaks for them.
    As for neighbors – if you’re eating three squares, you have neighbors who are not. Their government has forgotten them. We can’t afford to. If we do, we’re not who we say we are.
    It does get to be tomorrow. Somehow. If somebody gives a damn.

There are starving kids in...

2010-02-19T08:07:00.000-08:00

Because of my position as e-communications manager here at the South Plains Food Bank, I am always finding new websites that deal with the hunger issue. Many of the organizations deal with hunger on a more global scale.

I have been there. I have served as a volunteer on the mission field in very poor parts of Africa and other countries around the world. I know that there is a need there and I commend those whose hearts are being poured out for people around the world. While I was in South Africa serving, I lost so much weight, because there was just not enough food and when there was - I felt guilty for eating while those I was there to serve had nothing to eat for days. It was difficult.

I came home and experienced culture shock. I had an extremely hard time adjusting to our waste of food and other issues after all that I had seen. On one occasion, my mother had taken myself, my grandmother and another friend of my grandmother's to an all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet. I tried to fill my plate without thinking of the children and families I had left behind, who would not eat that day or maybe for two or three days at a time. But as I returned to the table with very little on my plate, I began to cry. Tears streamed down my face and then I could not hold back my sobs. My mother was mortified and leaned over to ask what was wrong. I said, "There are starving children in Africa - and now I know their names!"

I tell you this because our hunger here, in America - and especially in Lubbock and around the South Plains, looks different than hunger you see on the nightly news and when you surf the web. Here we don't usually see children without shoes, in mismatched torn ragged clothes, bellies distended from routinely going days on end without food.

One face of hunger we see is in our own neighborhoods. It is families in nice houses, with nice cars, who attend nice churches, but we don't realize our neighbor has lost his job and she took a pay cut to keep her job. They have traded down their cars, disconnected cable/satellite, and never go out to eat anymore. Everything for them is now a struggle. This face of hunger is actually in my neighborhood. I know this family. We don't think about this face very often, but this economy has brought hunger next door.

So as you cruise out of your subdivision each morning - look around. There are hungry people here - and I bet you know their names.

Erin B.

2010-02-16T11:43:00.000-08:00

Recently I recalled the scene in the movie Erin Brockovich where there is little food in the cabinet and a roach crawls over her foot and she drops the can she was opening (with a hand held opener the best I can remember). So she takes her kids out to lunch and lets them order whatever they want, but she only orders coffee. I guess I thought about it because working here and passing by our distribution dock throughout the day - I wonder about the lives of our clients.

I know right now I have a cousin who should and would qualify to get food from us, but can't afford to take off work to go get a voucher and redeem it. She is doing the best she can to provide for her 3 year-old son. I am sure she either misses meals so he can eat, or they go to her parents' house a couple of times a week to eat. I just wonder how many of our clients are skipping meals so their kids can have food. And how many other people could use food assistance, but since about 49% of our families have someone working in the household - maybe they can't afford to take off from work to get the help they so desperately need.

I think this is an area we need to look at and address - the number of people who are unable to get assistance because of the office hours we keep. Maybe this year we can help address this growing problem so our clients can still work, but also get help so no one has to skip meals.

One in Eight in Lubbock

2010-02-05T07:21:00.000-08:00

Feeding America released its national hunger study this month. In 2009, thirty-six million Americans received food assistance from a food bank or food bank agency. That translates into one in eight Americans, one in eight Texans, one in eight of my neighbors.

One in eight rings true when I see people I know coming to the food bank for themselves or for friends or family members who are struggling because of wages not keeping up with food prices or losing jobs.

Ron, a childhood friend of mine was in the office this week. My daughter and his son had been in the same first grade class. From my office, I could see him in the lobby. Friends of mine stop by all the time to volunteer or drop off food donations. Expecting the same from Ron, I stepped out to say hello and quickly realized he was uncomfortable seeing me.

Ron had lost his job before Christmas and needed help. It was awkward for him. It was awkward for me because Ron was not supposed to be one in eight... but he was.

Seeing Ron was an eye opening moment. Each day at the South Plains Food Bank, people from all walks of life pass through the food bank. Some I know, some I don’t. But what I realized when I saw Ron was that whether or not I know them… they are someone’s neighbor or mother or father or child. They are someone’s one in eight.
Keep your eyes open.

(Here is local information about Hunger on the South Plains.)

Hidden Treasure

2010-02-04T08:28:00.000-08:00

Earlier this week the aromas coming from Sheila's kitchen were so delicious that I found myself tip-toeing into her kitchen to see the mouth watering concoctions she and her staff were making. There on the stainless-steel table I found a buffet of culinary wonders! Beautifully made bread sticks, succulent lasagna, a gorgeous side salad, and some heavenly looking parfait. Of course I was completely jealous of the bridge group who had wisely chosen to move their event to our cozy Wall of Honor room and ask Sheila to cater for them. They were in for a special treat. I know what you're saying to yourself, "I had no idea the Food Bank catered or had a room we could use for an small meeting or event!" Yes, we do! So if you are trying to find a new meeting place, don't want to pay a fortune, want to help a great cause, and but of course - want to sample savory dishes then give us a call. We would love to help you host your next gathering. Contact Sheila at 763-3003.

Giving Food . . . Giving Hearts

2010-01-22T12:22:00.000-08:00

My office mate, Al Solis ~ who is head of food resourcing ~ just finished giving an interview to an intern. I guess she is going around interviewing everyone about their jobs here at the food bank. I found myself laughing out loud several times because Al was trying to politely tell her ~ none of us are here for the money! While it did give me a chuckle, it has made me stop and think. Al is right. Many here could be working somewhere else making far greater sums of cash, but as Al explained, no one here thinks about the money. Because of the giving hearts here ~ I find co-workers standing out at the distribution dock in freezing weather or dirt storms handing out food boxes, they stay in the freezer room all day packing our freezer/cold boxes, many stand on their feet long hours neatly organizing cans and other food in our dry boxes, and then I see our 'bean counters' and administration who refuse excessive salaries because they know every $1 really does provide 7 meals. So yes, we are giving food here at the South Plains Food Bank, but all of my co-workers are also giving hearts in their labor!

Panic

2010-01-12T21:12:00.000-08:00

Panic, true panic, has visited me few times in my 36 years of life. But this past Sunday was one of those times. I watched my 22 month-old son deteriorate in front of my eyes. Fortunately, we were able to get him emergency medical care. We have since discovered his has diabetes. Throughout my son's short life he has had several difficult health issues for which we have received excellent medical attention. So as things were progressively getting worse Sunday and I started to panic I knew my son's pediatrician was just a phone call away. After being here a few days and things having calmed down a bit I was reflecting on that feeling of panic and fear I had Sunday. I remembered another time when I felt panic, true panic. It was on a Monday when I was having coffee and looking at my budget for the next two weeks. There was no more money (I was unemployed), I had already used all our food stamps, and we had no food. I really did not know what to do. Panic set in! I remembered seeing a poster at the Texas Health and Human Services office about 2-1-1. So I called. I called everyday hoping that I wouldn't have to get a food voucher. But no money came in. So on Thursday I went for a voucher. Everyone was so wonderful and I couldn't believe all the food. In thinking about these two most recent times when panic was an unwelcome guest, I found myself realizing that just knowing I had someone who could help me was a huge relief. So if panic is knocking on your door - just know that you are not alone and that we are here for you.

A Whole New World

2010-01-12T01:46:00.000-08:00

So I woke today to a whole new world. . . insulin shots, glucose monitors, and learning the reality of the the words, "My son is a diabetic." It is a different world. I found myself thinking all sorts of thoughts. I mean what color is that cause? I know the red ribbon is AIDS awareness. The pink ribbon is breast cancer awareness. But what color and symbol represent diabetes? I still have no idea. I also discovered today that there is a walk every September. Again, clueless, because diabetes has not really been in my world personally. I mean sure, I know relatives who have it, but I never really thought about it much. I mean, I guess since it is not usually life threatening, like the cancer that runs rampant in my family, it has not been a focus. So not only do I find out about this walk, but that Jenifer and our G.R.U.B. kids had a team last year. Well , Jen, sign me up! In just what little I have managed to process in the past hours of this diagnosis - diet is so important. So another thought that travels through my brain. . . some of our clients are diabetic. Wow. It is so very important they have food that is right for a diabetic. It is vital that they not skip meals and snacks. My mind raced to our diabetic food boxes; thankful that we have them for a population that depends on food for medical reasons. It is indeed whole new world.

Simple Food

2010-01-05T11:19:00.000-08:00

You know I have come to realize that I come from the country even though I grew up only three blocks South of FM 1585 and Interstate 27 right here in Lubbock! In talking to my housemate over the holidays I figured out that my family are simple people who enjoy simple food. Over the her Christmas vacation we managed to introduce her to snow ice cream, Martha Washington candy, homemade cactus jelly, and homemade pancakes (not from a box) with chocolate syrup! We have others, too, that we plan to subject her to in 2010! While I say we like simple food, we also like good food. My mother calls Burger King "The Burger King" and has never had a Taco Bell burrito! She is a great cook, like her parents, so while my family has perfected a simple fare like red beans in a crock pot my mother doesn't care for "fast food" much. She will slave over canning fresh black eyed peas, which I shell every year because I am the fastest sheller in my family, rather than purchase store cans of the little peas! She would rather shuck fresh corn and freeze it than to buy the little ears already in the frozen section of a supermarket! So while we are a simple people who enjoy simple food, there is nothing simple in the old fashioned arts of canning, shelling, and shucking!

"I just want to say thankyou..."

2009-12-28T12:53:00.000-08:00

A food box recipient called the South Plains Food Bank the Monday before Christmas. She began with a simple statement, “Last Christmas, I gave to the food bank. Today, the food bank gave to me and I just want to say thank you.”

This year has been challenging for many South Plains residents. In 2009, the South Plains Food Bank worked with a network of 220 churches and non-profit organizations in 21 counties to distribute 25% more food than the previous year -- the effects of increased food and fuel prices as well as economic downturn.

The South Plains Food Bank and our agencies responded to the increased demand because people from all parts of our community so generously gave time, food, money and voice to insure no one goes hungry this holiday season, this month, or this year.

The woman who called Monday received food donated by school children during the U Can Share Food Drive or collected by Boy Scouts. Volunteers from local churches and businesses worked to sort cans and make food boxes. Churches and civic clubs worked to deliver the food into the hands of people who are struggling to make ends meet. Each food box passed out this year is an expression of the compassion of our community.

The South Plains Food Bank can only give to the hungry what it receives from our community. I realize how much our community has given to feed the hungry this year, and I just want to say thank you.

Dancing Sugar Plums

2009-12-22T08:27:00.000-08:00

You know, in thinking about Christmases of my childhood I don't ever get the sense in my memory that we were poor, but we were. In seeing pictures I would say there is never an indication of unhappiness or want. But I am sure my single mother worked long hours and stayed up nights wondering how she was going to provide for the two of us ~ especially during Christmas. I know there were Christmases she did without, meals that she didn't eat so she would have enough for me tomorrow. I say this in thinking about the clients we serve and their children. I am certain that many of the parents/guardians are staying up at night wondering how they are going to provide a meal for their little ones, much less toys and stockings. They lay there knowing that their kids will not have sugar plums dancing in their heads, but will have the ache of hunger gnawing at their tummies. But for many in our community, that will not be their holiday season - thanks to you. Because you have given the gift of time, money, food, and/or voice so many of these families will have a Christmas food box filled with enough food to last a family of 4 about 14 days! This will assist these families with the extra meals they need to provide for their school children while they are home, and also help them during this time when most agencies are closed for the holidays. This holiday season, because of you, there will be more dancing sugar plums!

All Hands on Deck!

2009-12-18T11:44:00.000-08:00

Yes, tomorrow will be the first day we hand out our Christmas Food Boxes. We have already been distributing food to our agencies, and handing out senior boxes. But tomorrow, I hear, is going to be a mad dash. I don't really know what to expect, having never been out here at Christmas, but I know it is an all staff work day and several volunteers are already signed up to assist us. If you are thinking about helping ~ call Meagan Bratton at 763-3003 to let her know you're coming to help. She likes to make sure there is enough work for everyone! Have a great weekend and maybe I'll see you tomorrow.

Special Guest

2009-12-17T09:25:00.001-08:00

We are having Christmas dinner at my house this year ~ a first. We had Thanksgiving dinner at my place, another first, and it went pretty well. For those of you just tuning in . . . I am not the greatest cook! Which is to say that my housemate does most of the cooking; I do the chopping! But back to Christmas dinner. So we are going to set the table all fancy and use these cloth napkins my housemate got as a house warming gift last year. Between my mother and my housemate ~ everything will be beautiful. And I'm excited, but I have a secret! Shhhh, it's just between us. I have a special guest coming to dinner. Hunger. Yes you read it correctly ~ hunger. I am going to have a beautiful place set and have it left empty throughout the meal. I want to remind those present that many of our neighbors across the South Plains are struggling with hunger. While it is not the most pleasant topic ~ it is a truth we need to face. One in four adults on the South Plains is food insecure and one in five children are as well. Please join me this holiday season and invite Hunger to your table. Who knows how Hunger might season your dinner conversation!

Tour and Lunch

2009-12-16T13:28:00.000-08:00

I survived my first U Can Share Food Drive and now I must confess. . . I got sick! Yes, I am not near as tough as everyone else who was out there braving the blistering winds, ice, and well all the other weather we had that Tuesday alone! So I took a few days off this week to recover. But now I am looking forward to tomorrow. It is our monthly tour and box lunch. First let me just say that Sheila and Brandon make a beautiful box lunch - so this not just some cold sandwich thrown together! Second, I have not been to one of our luncheons yet where I haven't been moved and gained an even greater understanding of why we come to work every day, why Darryle stands out on the dock giving out food boxes without regard to the freezing weather, and why so many of you donate your voice, your time, your food, and your money to assist us in our mission to alleviate hunger and give hope to the hungry. Join us any third Thursday of the month at noon and let us show you around. I think you will be moved as well. Call Karen at 763-3003 to r.s.v.p. I'll save you a place!

Still Excited

2009-12-08T18:30:00.000-08:00

I ventured out here to the U Can Share Food Drive at the crack of dark Monday morning. I was filled with all the excitement and anticipation of a toddler at Christmas. The first day was full of awe and wonder as I had no idea what all to expect! Although the day was bitter cold, the smiles of the children and volunteers warmed me up quick. Everyone has the best attitude and just continues to work through all the elements that blew across 82nd and Frankford today! Ice, hail, rain, dust storm, and cold have not kept people from coming out and pitching in wherever help has been needed. It is almost the end of day two and still I am excited to be part of something so big and exciting. Skip, we have come a long way in 27 years! Thanks for getting us started. And thanks to all of those who have joined us along the way!

U Can Share Volunteers

2009-12-08T09:17:00.000-08:00

As the day warms up and the roads are clearing volunteers are showing up to assist us in sorting the food we have already received. Since the wind is supposed to kick up later today, we have moved everyone inside the trailers. Our sponsor of the day - Rotary of Lubbock have several volunteers here on site working. These three Rotarians, from left: Wade Wilson, Dave Lewis, and Mark Clark have been here since about 9:30 a.m. Although it has taken a while for us to get food moved from the PODS containers to the United trailers for sorting, these gentleman have been on site ready to go to work! We will continue to pick up food throughout the day and take food people drop off here at the site. So if you want to brave the cold and roads, we are here and there is plenty to do around these parts. If you want to stay indoors, but still want to help - visit our website at www.spfb.org and U Can Still Share!

U Can Still Share

2009-12-08T06:13:00.000-08:00

As the first day of the U Can Share Food Drive comes to a close - we the staff and volunteers are going to be braving the ice and cold to get out to the site. There is more food to be sorted and more will be coming in today that has to be sorted. Totals for yesterday were awesome - about 130,000 pounds of food and around $20,000. Our goals for this year are 500,000 pounds and $150,000. Please know that you don't have to get out in the weather to help the U Can Share Food Drive. There are lots of ways you can help: you can make a donation online, you can shop the online auction, you can follow us on Channel 11 as well as on twitter and facebook, and you can tell all your friends and family to donate, follow, and share the need with others. So please be safe today, but don't feel left out - U Can Still Share.

Comfort Food

2009-12-02T10:32:00.000-08:00

I am currently in Denver, Colorado. My best friend's father passed away over the Thanksgiving holiday, so I am here for the memorial service that will be held tomorrow. Upon arriving last night I noticed something right away - everyone began offering us something to eat. Many of the neighbors, friends, and family have brought food and there is enough to feed an army. Even now as I sit typing this blog, baking is going on in the kitchen. The first thing we did last night was eat. The first thing we did this morning was go eat breakfast at Einstein Bagel and as soon as we returned home - the chicken went on for the family favorite chicken spaghetti! We already have a place reserved for everyone to eat after the services tomorrow. I said all of this to say - food is a comfort for us and especially has we morn the passing of loved ones. There is comfort in breaking bread together, in cooking and tasting family dishes. As we are surrounded here in Denver by snow, family, friends, and food - I think about our Food Bank clients back home. Many of them have heat on these cold days because they had to choose between paying their heating bill and buying food. I hope that the food box they get today brings them hope and maybe even provides a little comfort food.

Volunteers Count

2009-11-30T12:17:00.000-08:00

We have an excellent staff and crew around here. I am always impressed with how many hats everyone wears, and how well they manage to wear each one! But visit us and you would be hard pressed to tell the difference between our volunteers and our staff. We have several volunteers that are regulars and man the front desk each and everyday. Other volunteers handle the site logistics of the U Can Share Food Drive. Others can be found throughout the warehouse sorting, repackaging, boxing, folding, copying, and assisting on the distribution dock. Our army of volunteers have clocked 10,741 hours since March 30th. Those hours would have cost us $77,872.25 had we paid $7.25 an hour. Going on our ratio of $1 = 7 meals; those volunteer hours provided 545,105.75 meals across the South Plains! Volunteers count and truly make a difference in our fight to alleviate hunger and give hope to the hungry. We still need volunteers to assist in two areas: making Christmas cards and freezer boxes on Saturday, Dec. 12th. This would be a great time for families with children to get involved and help Megan with the cards. Others who don't mind the cold and might be a little stronger can pitch in on the freezer boxes. At this time all of our group volunteer spots are taken through Christmas, but there is plenty of room for small families and individuals. If you would like to volunteer, contact Megan at 763-3003 or volunteer@spfb.org.

Always be thankful.

2009-11-25T09:03:00.000-08:00

I received an email this morning about the City Bank Community Rewards campaign. In the email the gentleman was thanking me for the reminders and talking about the site. At the close of the email he stated, ". . . and always be thankful." I can tell you all my life I have appreciated things and people, but nothing compares to the thanks I have had in my heart these past few years. Since my difficult pregnancy and the birth of my son, 20 month ago, I have been so grateful to my freinds, family, and even total strangers who have stood by us along the way. But the day I received my first voucher and food box from the South Plains Food Bank was one of the most thankful days of my life. To know that my family was going to be fed was a relief. I had no idea that day that I would get the honor of joining those amazing staff members and volunteers I met that day. I did not know that day that I was going to get to work along side the retail partners and financial donors that made that food box - that hope - available for my family. I did not know, but I will always be thankful for the South Plains Fod Bank.

G.R.U.B. Scrub is here!

2009-11-23T10:44:00.000-08:00

Just in time for Christmas! The kids in our G.R.U.B. (Growing Recruits for Urban Business) Program now have their GRUB Scrub available. GRUB Scrub is our “seed to shelf” product. GRUB youth grow loofah and make a unique soap called GRUB Scrub. The loofah is encased inside each bar of soap. The soap is attractively wrapped with information about GRUB on the label. A $5.00 donation is recommended for each bar (feel free to donate more!). GRUB Scrub is available in the following fragrances: Sweet Pea, Strawberry Cream, Sweet Orange, Apple Spice, peppermint, Cucumber Melon, Citrus Basil, Lavender, Almond, French Vanilla, and Orange Spice.
Contact Jenifer Smith @ 763-3003, ext 35 to place your order.

Standing with. . .

2009-11-20T11:40:00.000-08:00

The difficult lesson I am still learning is 'standing with.' When people are suffering, are hungry, or in need I just want to rush in and get them through their obstacles - over their troubles. And I weep when I feel I cannot end or make better their circumstances. But what I have discovered on my personal journey is that just standing with people right in the middle of their suffering, hunger, grief, or burden creates such a refuge for them in the midst of their storm. In my own storm now, I take comfort in our friends who are standing with us. Those of you who support the work we do here at the Food Bank and through our agencies, please know that the food box they get is hope. And through that food box, we are standing with that single parent or grandparent, that client who just lost their job, the sick, and the elderly. While we all wish we could make the storm go away, know that you are offering comfort in a box. You are standing with.

The missing meal...

2009-11-13T08:45:00.000-08:00

Many families on the South Plains are struggling to provide basic needs for their households. Several are navigating through the Food Stamp, or SNAP as it is now called, process - only to find that an interview is 6 to 8 weeks away. But approval may take longer depending on documentation and research needed in their case. While they wait, many turn to our Second Helpings Soup kitchens. Those agencies often provide a meal that non-school age children and their parents might have to skip. I recently learned that 1 and 4 children are at risk for going to bed hungry tonight. As several schools, businesses, civic clubs, and other organizations begin to kick off their U Can Share Food Drives remember that every can counts and will give hope to all who will receive a food box throughout this upcoming year.

Angels in disguise

2009-11-11T09:29:00.000-08:00

I spoke to a group of women this morning at St. John's Methodist Church. They were so delightful. One of the ladies read off a list of the mission causes the women had donated to throughout the year. I was overwhelmed by the groups those ladies had supported. But the group had not just touched other peoples' lives - they had touched mine. You see this is the group on the front line of the St. John's food voucher program. These are the angels who provide the vouchers and man the distribution every Tuesday morning. They, and all of our agency volunteers are angels in disguise. Each one brings smiles and full tummies to people across the South Plains!

Same story...different guy

2009-11-10T09:35:00.001-08:00

I had coffee this morning with a gentleman who told me a familiar story. He had been working about 70 hours a week - the job letting him have all the overtime he wanted. Things were great, extra money to spend on the kids' birthdays, Christmas, and shopping inbetween.
Then about nine months ago, his hours got cut down to about 60 a week. His mother, who is about 74, lives with him and is in poor health. Now one of his children has moved in to help make ends meet while he finishes college and works part-time. About six months ago, this gentleman's hour were cut again to 50 hours a week. Things were getting tight and he had managed to trim the fat in his budget just about all he could. There are no extras - no extra cash, no extra shopping, no extra movies, no extra food.
He told me this morning that three weeks ago he was cut back to 40 hours a week. He has been looking for a part-time job to go along with his full time job, but his phone hasn't rung with any prospects. He said he is happy to have a job at all and understands the company is trying to avoid lay offs. But now he said, "I have to make a choice between heating the house this winter and providing food for the three of us."
It is the same story I hear so often - just a different guy.
We are continuing to see an increase in clients and are anticipating handing out 5,000 Christmas food boxes this season. As we get ready to kick off the U Can Share Food Drive, please know this event is an big reason why we can continue to meet our increasing demand.

"Giving Hope..."

2009-11-05T12:40:00.000-08:00

Was the title across from my name on the program of today's event. Having completed the luncheon and sitting back in my office at the Food Bank, I am awed by the grace and beauty of the audience. I was not a very eloquent speaker. My voice shook and I rambled. I didn't say much of what I had practiced. I tried to fight back tears, but they came anyway. I think I was able to communicate the hope the Food Bank gives to my son and I every time we get our food box. I had prepared to talk about that hope. But what I was not prepared for was the hope people at the luncheon gave me. So many remained afterward to offer kind words, hugs, and the promise of prayers. To all of you who broke bread with us today - thank you. Thank you for being such a blessing - for giving hope.

"You Know Me..."

2009-11-02T14:34:00.000-08:00

A few days ago, I stopped by the Scottish Rite Learning Center. It’s not far from the food bank. As I was leaving, Andy, the director of the center, asked if I would talk with a couple who had stopped by his office asking for help. When I introduced myself, the gentleman, who was around my age, smiled and said, "You know me." It was Freddie.

Freddie is a volunteer at one of our agencies. And yes, I do know him. He was a high school football standout years ago. He served in the Army for twelve years following graduation. In his "real" life he worked at a manufacturing plant in town until the economy forced them to "downsize."

The bottom line was that he was out of money and not too far from being homeless. In just a few months, he moved from someone helping the poor to someone needing help. His immediate need was food.

One in five adults in the South Plains faces food insecurity right now. The reality of this statistic didn't hit home until Freddie said, "You know me." It's not 1 in 5 some place else. It's 1 in 5 here. It is one in five of people I see every day.

Freddie and his wife rode back to the food bank with me. We were able to help him with food and address some other needs. I drove Freddie back to his apartment, we talked about family, children, the ups and downs of life and... gratitude. He talked about how grateful he is to live in Lubbock where friends and neighbors come to his aid.

You may not know Freddie, but I bet you know someone who has faced hunger... a friend or neighbor... and has been helped by you or one of your friends and neighbors.

Family

2009-10-28T08:06:00.000-07:00

I had dinner last night with David Weaver, our CEO, and some other gentlemen from an organization that is well affiliated with the food banking world. As dinner progressed and we started talking shop, I was interested to hear their take on our food bank. Being from California and having seen food banks much larger than ours it was interesting to hear their take on the South Plains Food Bank. Since I have only been part of the food bank world for about three weeks, I didn't know that many food banks deal with agencies only and really have no direct contact with clients. While we work with agencies, I think we all like getting to know our clients. We get to meet their kids, hear stories about their grandchildren, and keep up with the latest developments in their lives. David said it best last night, "At our food bank, every one is family."

Neighbors in Need

2009-10-27T09:08:00.000-07:00

Some of you following for the last few weeks have discovered that I not only work here at the Food Bank, but I am also a return client. For my 19 month-old son and I there just always seems to be more month than there is money to go around. Today was my interview to renew my food stamps. We have been receiving food stamps for about a year now. But I noticed something different today as I waited in the lobby for my appointment. The lines are longer. Two lines instead of just one. More windows are open. Four windows instead of just two. Standing room only where there used to be plenty of chairs. Of course fewer rows of chairs to make more room for the additional line and longer lines. I watched two older gentlemen greet one another. One said to the other, "When did you get laid off?" I didn't hear the answer, but the first fellow replied, "I know, I was with them for going on 20 years." The faces were different, too. It seemed to me like there were more elderly folks than I have ever seen before. Usually I see women and children without any adult male, but seemed like more men were with them today. More people spoke to each other than usual. It seemed like we all realized . . . we are neighbors in need. I came back to the office thankful that I am a part of an organization that helps my neighbors in need.

Sorting Eggs

2009-10-26T09:42:00.000-07:00

I met him officially today while he was sorting eggs. He is one of our volunteers, an older gentleman, who caught me by surprise at our Hunger Heroes Luncheon. He uses a walker or crutch to get around, but that certainly does not slow him down. After a brief introduction and hand shake, I watched him for a few minutes. He was sitting in a chair sorting the eggs that Darryle brought to him. He took each egg and inspected it for cracks and damage. If it passed, he would put it inside a carton and then set the full carton aside. He takes the job seriously, I could tell as I watched him. And then as I was walking back into my office, I thought about the food box my family received a few weeks ago when I was a client. It had a carton of eggs and not one had been broken. I had thought at the time I opened my food box that it was just luck or that their was some machine or something that kept the eggs from getting broken. But I realized this morning that that was not the case at all. Steve, a volunteer, made sure my eggs were all intact. Volunteers make a difference here at the Food Bank - even if they just sort eggs. To volunteer call Meagan at 763-3003.

Little People Make a Big Impact

2009-10-23T07:23:00.000-07:00

Kyrsten, 6, and her little sister Aeryn, 3, raised $31.46 selling sodas at their family's garage sale. But the girls weren't trying to raise money for toys or pretty clothes. They wanted to raise money for the SPFB's Kids Cafe Program - and boy did they! The money they donated Tuesday is enough to feed 217 children! Kyrsten and Aeryn gave more than money - they gave hope to all of our children in our Kids Cafe Program. These girls are proof that every little bit helps. Thanks girls!

Above: Aeryn (pictured left) and Kyrsten look over the meal prepared for the Wilson Girls and Boys Club Kids Cafe site.

I Know What You Mean

2009-10-22T13:11:00.000-07:00

I have referred several people to the Food Bank over the years, but recently it has been close friends - people I have known for years who now find themselves needing help. I listen and nod - hearing story after story of how they have been cutting back to the 'bare bones.' They talk about making the decision between buying medicine and gas or food. I tell them I understand, and I know what they mean. And I do. You see I not only work here at the Food Bank, but I am a client.

Thanksgiving Around the Corner

2009-10-20T07:51:00.000-07:00

My grandmother is a fabulous cook! Any chance I get to eat a meal at her house you can set me a place. She was one of 16 kids - no twins. So she grew up picking cotton and helping her mother and sisters around the house and in the kitchen. I'm not sure when she and I started our little Thanksgiving tradition, but we have one. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving I show up early at her house and help her chop up everything she needs for the dressing and gibblet gravy. She has usually taken the pecan pies out of the oven just before I arrive - the house always smells of her delicious treats. Then I help crumble the cornbread for the dressing. When everything is done and the table wiped down we sit down and play a mean game of gin or blow-it. We have a great time the day before Thanksgiving. Then Thursday rolls around - everyone stuffs themselves and has leftovers later in the day. It took us two days to prepare for a meal that was eaten in less than two hours. But we here at the Food Bank are already starting to look ahead to Thanksgiving. In the past, we have served about 700-800 clients during Thanksgiving week. We feel like that number will be higher this year. So please consider volunteering on one of our Saturday work days in November. You may register on line at http://www.spfb.org/ or by calling 763-3003. We would love to have you join us as we prepare to serve the hungry in our community.

Memories

2009-10-19T09:28:00.000-07:00

When I was a little girl, I remember going to a local meat market on Ave. Q. The place has closed, but I have fond memories of the shop. My mom would order a few items and while we were waiting someone would hand me a slice of cheese or bologna. Our white butcher paper wrapped order would be sacked up and we would head home. I remember that many times we would see the owner around town and he would tell us to come in, that he had something for us. I was too little to understand that most of the time he was giving us the food, or that someone else had paid for the food on our behalf. But I remember my mom, a single mother, would always take whatever we got and she would take some out and share it with someone else she knew was in need of food. As an adult I have come to realize that my mom is a product of growing up here on the South Plains. People here are just different. We care about one another. YOUR kindness and caring are valuable to us here at the Food Bank. We are proud to be part of such a compassionate and giving community.

Mystery Solved

2009-10-16T08:47:00.000-07:00

So you have asked yourself, "What does the Food Bank do?" And, "What is a food box?" Well, I learned all of that and more from yesterday's lunch tour. I have lived here pretty much my entire life. I have given can goods during U Can Share. But I didn't know much about the Food Bank. I knew they helped hungery people, but that was all I could tell someone about the Food Bank. It was kind of a mystery to me. I didn't know where it was located, how people got the food, or anything about the clients the Food Bank served. Well, now the mystery is solved. The tour yesterday was so informative, the food was excellent, and the stories from the staff and volunteers were touching. I realized that every can I had donated really did make a difference. I shed a few tears during some of the stories and was moved that I work with people who care so deeply about meeting the needs of the hungry. I work with individuals who truly want no one to go to bed tonight hungry and hope everyone has plenty to eat this weekend. The South Plains Food Bank is no longer a mystery. So hey, mark it on your calendars, Nov. 19th at noon. Call Karen at 763-3003 to RSVP. I'll save you a place!

Pictured above are Carmyn Morrow, left, and Carolyn Ater, middle, with Jenifer Smith. Jenifer is the SPFB's Farm, Orchard, and G.R.U.B. Division Director. She shows off our 'catch of the day!'

You can help feed america!

2009-10-15T09:09:00.000-07:00

Between now and October 31st, YOU, can take action and provide meals to hungry families across America. Visit youtube, keywords: "delicious difference" or www.kraftfoodscompany.com and watch the four minute volunteer video and Kraft will donate enough money each viewing to provide five meals ~ up to 100,000 meals ~ to Feeding America. It is a small amount of time to invest, but the return on your investment will help children in communities across America go to bed with full tummies! So let's go for it South Plains ~ on your break every day now thru Oct. 31st catch an internet wave to youtube or Kraft, watch the video, and let's make a difference!

May I Please Introduce. . .

2009-10-14T09:19:00.000-07:00

Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Vangelia Perryman and a new face here at the South Plains Food Bank. I am the E-Communications Manager and Media contact for the Food Bank. This is my third day on the job and I must tell you ~ things around here are hopping! I have been teasing everyone that this place is like a well oiled machine. So I hope to use some of our blog to re-introduce you to YOUR South Plains Food Bank. As I learn about the ins-and-outs, I plan to share them with you. I'll start with an invitation to lunch! This Thursday, every third Thursday of the month, we offer a tour of our facilities and we feed you lunch. So clear your calendar and come see us tomorrow. Call Karen at 763-3003 to RSVP. I look forward to seeing you and re-introducing you to YOUR South Plains Food Bank.

HEB Donates to South Plains Food Bank

2009-10-08T11:46:00.000-07:00

Working Poor

2009-10-06T10:18:00.000-07:00

We all know that numbers can sometimes be deceiving. Often we have to look behind the numbers to really get the full story. You may have noticed that the South Plains unemployment numbers are quite so bad as the national average. That's a good thing, right? Yes, it is a good thing. However, to really get a good picture of what is going on in West Texas families, we must look a little closer.

It is good that we have a lower unemployment rate in our communities. The question remains - Is it a livable wage or income? I'm sure you have heard the term working poor before (in fact, we've blogged about it before). This is where a great majority of the clients at the SPFB fall. They do have jobs, they just can't afford to pay both the bills and go to the grocery store! We have all been hit by the hard economic times and there are a lot of people who haven't lost their jobs but they are getting paid less. The SPFB has still seen an increase in the number of individuals and families that need a little assistance each month.

Don't forget that just because someone has a job, it doesn't mean they don't need a hand up every now and then. Working poor - hard working individuals who still can't always make ends meet every month.

Reducing Waste

2009-10-02T09:19:00.000-07:00

For the past couple of days I've been staying with my grandmother. She is a part of what is collectively known as "The Greatest Generation". This is the generation that survived the Great Depression and fought in World War II. Now, my grandmother didn't fight in World War II but she does know a thing or two about surviving a Great Depression.

The South Plains Food Bank's mission starts out by saying, "food banking solves two problems: food and waste". It's the second part that we don't always focus on - waste. This is the part my grandmother (and many in her generation) do so well. Here are a few of the little things she does: she will save an old paper towel roll (the brown cardboard part) and clean out the plastic bags that cereal comes in (from inside the box), she will then wrap the plastic around the roll, secure it with a rubber band and voila! - wax paper! When she orders a hamburger, she will take the top bun off, take it home in a napkin and eat it for breakfast the next morning. I could go on but you get the idea! As a child, I used to wonder why she did all these things and wondered if it really made a difference. Fact is, it does make a difference.

I love that the South Plains Food Bank (and food banks across the country) are able to take food that would otherwise go to waste and get it in the hands (and mouths) of the hungry. So many of us have so much and we waste what we have. In a time of recession we tend to think about ways to save and we get creative about how to make things last longer. Imagine if we did that all the time, not just when times are hard? Maybe, just maybe, the hard times wouldn't hurt quite so bad. I don't know, it's just some food for thought!

It's getting really busy!

2009-10-01T11:10:00.000-07:00

One of my friends asked me if there is ever a slow time at the South Plains Food Bank. I told him we are busy all the time except when we get "really" busy! October is when we start to get "really" busy! It will stay that way through January. Of course when I consider the past year and the impact of the economy on the people we serve, it's been a "really" busy year. Our food distribution to the hungry has gone up by 25%.

The only way we have been close to keeping up with the increased needs because of our friends who give a little to feed a lot... a little time, a little voice, a little food, a little money. It all adds up. September was Hunger Action Month for Feeding America Food Banks across the country. Thanks to all of you who pitched in to make a difference.

Yesterday, when I was leaving, I stopped to talk to an elderly woman who was picking up a box of food. In the box was canned goods, dry goods, fresh produce, eggs, dairy products and lots of other good things that would help her and her husband get through a rough patch in their lives. When she was loaded up she gave me a hug and said, "God bless you and all the folks at the food bank!"

I'm passing on her hug and blessings today.

Hunger Action Month and more

2009-09-25T10:40:00.001-07:00

As Hunger Action Month comes to a close and fall starts ramping up, I can't help but get excited about all that is going on at the South Plains Food Bank. What used to be a one day "Hunger Awareness Day" was turned into a month of action! It's one thing to be aware of hunger in your community and the ripple effects it has, not only the individuals who don't have enough food, but on the community as a whole. It is another to actually take action to combat hunger.

I don't usually like to use words that are so agressive in nature, like combat, but I think it's appropriate in this context. We do have to fight to ensure that people in our communties, across our nation and around the world don't go hungry. Those of us who are fortunate to not know "real" hunger, can't imagine what is like. Sure, we've felt hungry but we've rarely, if ever, felt hungry and at the same time not be able to know when our next meal is going to be or where is coming from. I have found myself staring into my pantry, thinking that I have nothing to eat. Really? I see soup, popcorn, peanut butter, bread ... it may not be what I was looking for and I may have to actually make something but I have food. My pantry is not empty. There are people and families in our community whose pantries are actully empty. This month we have tried to communicate, educate and motivate the people of West Texas.

We're not finished yet! We have a "celebrity day" at the SPFB next week, where local figure heads have been invited out to see what we do at the food bank and to volunteer with us for an afternoon. It should be a fun day! Plus, October is full of OctoberFAST activities and the annual U Can Share Food Drive is coming quickly -- it's going to be a great fall at the South Plains Food Bank!

Community Supported Agriculture at the South Plains Food Bank Farm

2009-09-24T13:16:00.000-07:00

The South Plains Food Bank's Carolyn Lanier Youth Farm offers a CSA. CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. This is a program where farmers pre-sell all or part of their harvest at the beginning of the year, in order to have funds for seeds, plants, etc. The pre-purchasers are referred to as shareholders of the farm. In the case of the food bank farm, we sell only a portion of our harvest in order to have funds to support our youth project, GRUB (Growing Recruits for Urban Business). GRUB is a life skills and job skills training program for teenagers, and it is based on our 5.5-acre urban farm.

Teens in the GRUB Program volunteer on Saturday mornings during the school year and, if they put in the hours and prove themselves to be good workers, they are eligible to apply to our paid summer program. Selling approximately half of the crop through our CSA program helps the food bank fund a portion of the summer salaries for 10 to 12 deserving teens. This is a win/win situation for all concerned. The food bank farm gets a trained and able-bodied work force during the labor-intensive summer months, the food bank gets the other half of the harvest to distribute to those in need, the shareholders get locally grown, chemical-free produce (and the satisfaction of helping out our GRUB Program), and the youth in the GRUB Program have a summer job and earn their own money.

This week is the final harvest of the summer crop and the end of our 2009 CSA season. I always hate this final week, it reminds me of the last day of summer camp. We tell our shareholders, our friends, goodbye until next year and the farm goes into fall and winter mode. We compost the spent plant matter and put in cover crops or let some areas lie fallow. One shareholder told me she would need to spend some time alone at the farm to grieve the end of the season. I know exactly how she feels.

But, before we know it, a new growing season will be upon us. New growth will emerge, shareholders will return, and more teens will have an opportunity to learn and grow at the South Plains Food Bank's farm. It is all part of the cycle of life on our farm, and it will be another win/win year for everyone.

Fall is here!

2009-09-22T07:33:00.000-07:00

It's the first day of fall and for many that means cooler weather, sweats, hot chocolate by the fire and big holiday meals with lots of food to go around. It does mean cooler weather for everyone but is where the assured similarities end. While some look forward to the holiday meals with excitement and joy, others look towards it with anxiousness and fear. Why? They might not have enough food for tomorrow much less a the expected large holiday meal. This is just one reason, out of many, that the South Plains Food Bank needs your help - year round!

Not only do we need individuals who volunteer their time, their food and their voices but we also need individuals who are generous in donating their finances. Like any non-profit, operations are one of our largest expenses. There are trucks that take food to rural areas that cost money to maintain, spaces to store food that all contribute to the overhead needed to run a food bank.

A great big thank you to all our donors - we simply could not run the day to day operations without your continued support. Interested in donating? Visit our webpage to see the many ways you can donate!

Bake Sale!

2009-09-17T09:57:00.000-07:00

As you know it's Hunger Action Month at the South Plains Food Bank. This Friday, the Chef Society is doing their part to raise awareness and take action against hunger! Stop by the main City Bank location in Lubbock (Slide and Marsha Sharp Freeway) and purchase a baked goodie for the weekend ... from fantastic CHEFS!! You know it's going to be tasty!! Plus, the proceeds will be donated to the South Plains Food Bank. Good food and a good cause? Ladies and gentlemen, we have another win-win for West Texans!

Let us know what you have been doing for Hunger Action Month! We want to know what the people in our community are doing to take a stand against hunger!

Hunger Action Month: week three

2009-09-14T07:16:00.000-07:00

It's the third week of Hunger Action Month! What are you doing to help advocate for the hungry? People all across the South Plains are doing their part -- what a great community to be a part of! Thank to all who have participated.

The past year, the South Plains Food Bank has seen a 25% increase of individuals and families who need assistance (http://www.lubbockonline.com/stories/091309/loc_492669845.shtml). We've talked about lending your voice and your time but not yet about food donations. Food donations are essential to the mission of the South Plains Food Bank. If we don't have food to put in our food boxes, we can't had food out. We simply can't give what we don't have. We rely healvily on the generous donations from the community.

Twice a year, the South Plains Food Bank holds large food drives; the Can-Can in the summer months and the U Can Share during the holiday season. While we gather a lot of food and donatiosn during those times, we are moving the food just as quickly. Next time you are at the grocery store, pick up an extra can of vegetables and donate it to the South Plains Food Bank. Remember -- "Give a Little, Feed A Lot"

Let's Can Her!

2009-09-09T12:47:00.001-07:00

I am often surprised by the thoughtfulness and selflessness of people. I have been able to take a front-row seat for some of these actions. Today was one of those days. As you know, this is Hunger Action Month and we have been encouraging everyone in the community to "Give a Little, Feed a Lot". Whether it is by advocating for the hungry or volunteering thier time, we've seen people come together this month with one goal: feeding the hungry with food and hope.

Here is one example of how people in Lubbock are helping thier neighbors! A local doctor, Dr. Snodgrass, requested that people bring food, to donate to the SPFB, in lieu of a birthday present. They posted flyers and placed boxes in the breakroom of the office to be collected until her birthday on Sept 3rd. The theme was "Let's Can Her" - how fun and how selfless! Birthday's are generally the time of year that we focus on ourselves. After all, we are celebrating our birth. Dr. Snodgrass took this once a year opportunity and looked outside herself. She decided to do somthing that would bless others. What a gift. Thank you Dr. Snodgrass!

Give A Little Time, Feed A Lot

2009-09-08T09:58:00.000-07:00

I always love hearing about the food bank's programs. I know them, I've heard about what they do and who they serve over and over again. Yet, it's a story I don't get tired of hearing. It reminds me of why we do what we do at the South Plains Food Bank. It reminds of why we have months designated as Hunger Action Month. Last week, I talked about how we can advocate for the hungry by lending our voices and simply informing people about the issues caused by hunger and giving them ways to get involved.

This week I'm going to talk about "lending a little time" to feed a lot. Food banks operate, not only on monetary and food donations, but on the time individuals donate as well. We simply could not get the food out to our clients as fast or as efficiently if we did not have a volunteer base. We are always open to more volunteers -- we will put you to work! Volunteering can mean a lot of different things. We have people who give weekly to answer the phones, people who faithfully come to our monthly Saturday Work Days, and people who give their time for certain food drives throughout the year.

We have all been blessed with unique personalities and talents. When we utilize those parts of who we are to help others, it is win-win for everyone. Not only are we helping others but we are giving of ourselves and there is certain satisfaction that comes with getting outside ourselves and doing something for someone else. As I've said before, we were meant to live in community and when we practice that things seem to run just a little bit more smoothly.

Check out our volunteer page on our website and see where you think you might fit! We'd love to see you!

Hunger Action Month: GIVE A LITTLE, FEED A LOT

2009-09-02T07:29:00.000-07:00

As many of you may already know, September has been designated as Hunger Action Month all across the nation. In partnership with Feeding America, food banks all across America are raising awareness and encouraging individuals and organizations to take action against hunger.

The South Plains Food Bank is doing their part as well. "Give a Little, Feed a Lot" - it's that easy. We don't have to change the world but if all do our part of make a difference in our corner of the world, the world just might change after all. Simply by telling someone else about the mission of the South Plains Food Bank helps get the message out. So many people don't realize that hunger is a real issue in their community. It seems like something that affects people in other parts of the country and the world. However, people in West Texas suffer from food insecurity on a daily basis. Make a difference ... become an advoacte for the hungry in your neighborhood!

Our Future ... Today's Children

2009-08-27T10:31:00.000-07:00

It's been said that our children are our future. If our children are our future, then don't we owe it to them to give them the best opportunities for a full, productive life? I don't think anyone will disagree with that, no matter political preference or personal beliefs.

So what are those elusive opportunities we are talking about? I think an education is one of the best ways we can help the next generation reach, and exceed, their potential. So what does the South Plains Food Bank have to do with education? A lot and I'm not talking about just school supplies either. It's a basic theory regarding human needs. If the first need isn't met, the others can't even be approached. If a child is not eating or is constantly having to wonder where their next meal is coming from, if they get one, they aren't focused on learning. And who can blame them? Once they are fed, preferably healthy foods, they can then begin the task of listening to their teachers and not their stomachs.

The South Plains Food Bank serves thousands of meals every year to students through our Kids Cafe program. This year we have sixteen sites across West Texas!! Help us help the next generation of kids be the best they can be!

It Takes a Village

2009-08-26T08:07:00.000-07:00

We talk about serving and making a difference and I would venture to say that each of us want to make a difference. We all have different passions and those passions are what drive us and what make us unique. When we work together, we make a difference. Whether it's political activism, social activism, spiritual service, arts or music - it all fits together like a puzzle we each have a piece of.

Yesterday was a bit of a crazy day. My water heater was sitting in two inches of water and my cousin needed to come, with her two young boys, to my house for the afternoon. The boys were down, the workers were working on my water heater and we were taking a moment to breathe. My cousin and her husband are new to town so they don't know many people yet. She made the comment, "wow, it really takes a village". While that statement is evident in our individual lives, it's also evident in our lives as a collective nation. We weren't meant to live this life alone. It does take a village. Each of those individual passions plays a role in ensuring that the village works and continues on into the next generation, hopefully better than the prior generation.

That's what we are trying to do at the SPFB, make a difference in our corner of the world, do our part to be a productive member of the "village".

Today America lost a legend and a servent when we lost Ted Kennedy. You may not have agreed with his politics but no one can argue the impact he left on his country or the lifelong service he genously gave. He did his part as a member of the "village" we call home.

You are what you eat?

2009-08-25T09:26:00.000-07:00

I'm sure we've all seen those commercials for the cereal that claims to help kids think during the school day. It came on the other night and I got to thinking about the food we eat and how it effects us on a daily basis. Now, I'm not sure how much eating one type of cereal will help us concentrate during the day but I do know that I can tell when I've been eating good and when I've been eating poorly.

I know I've blogged about nutrition before but I think it's something that is worth mentioning again. It can be so hard and so expensive to eat well. We have so many foods that are synthetic and chemically altered. If we take time to think about it, we know they aren't good for us, it just tastes so good to us! But what if we truly are what we eat?!?! I think I would be mostly carbs and fruits. Granted, I have switched to whole grains so I'd be a giant whole grain carb! I digress, but what about all the grease and fast food that we eat because it's convenient and cheap. What about the family whose only option is the cheapest option. I have the luxury of making a healthy choice and yet I don't always. Some people don't even have the option. Unless we do something about it. Unless we help them by giving, not just food, but healthy food.

My Favorite Day

2009-08-21T07:56:00.000-07:00

As you know, this month the SPFB has been collecting school supplies for our annual Stuff the Bus: School Supply Drive. Well, today at 9am, we started handing out the school supplies. When I got to work at 8, there was already a line forming.

As I stood there, helping hand out grade appropriate school supplies, I had to fight back the tears. As I've said before, I love the first day of school and I love school supplies. To see all the children in line, ready for school, was just exciting! Education is so important, it is part of what helps breaks the cycle of poverty. As I talked to kids that came through my line, I couldn't help but hope they would someday be standing in line at a university, waiting to get their class schedules. That they would not have to get a voucher for their children's school supplies.

At the SPFB we offer hope by providing food for those who have hit hard times. Once a year, we get to provide hope through ensuring that every child starts the school year out with the proper supplies to succeed. After that, it's up to them but if giving them the resouces needed helps break that cycle of poverty and give them hope for a better future, then my favorite day might become the day we hand out school supplies. The first day of school can come in a close second!

Cooking with GRUB

2009-08-17T13:15:00.000-07:00

One of the unsung programs of the South Plains Food Bank is our Nutrition Education Program run by Sharon Adams. I requested Sharon's assistance several years ago when I discovered that the very teenagers who were growing healthy vegetables for the food bank were not eating vegetables themselves.

The teens in the GRUB - Growing Recruits for Urban Business program are the labor force on our 5.5-acre urban farm. They put in an incredible amount of volunteer time during the school year, and a select few are hired every summer to work part-time on the farm. They grow over 100,000 pounds of vegetables every year, but they weren't eating any - until Sharon intervened!

Sharon comes to the farm at least once a month to work with the youth in the GRUB program. Over the last few years she has introduced hundreds of teenagers to the joy of cooking and to the pleasure of eating fresh, locally grown, chemical free produce; food they have planted, tended, harvested and now prepared.

Not one to miss an opportunity, Sharon took advantage of the teens' competitive nature and held a cooking contest last week. As a bonus the GRUB members were transported from the make-shift kitchen at the farm to our new state-of-the-art Kitchen of Hope (the Kids' Cafe commissary kitchen) for the contest, or the cooking "throw-down" as it is called on the TV cooking channels these days.

One of our GRUB teens, B.J., has been a stand out in the kitchen since the first lesson Sharon taught. He was ready to prove his culinary skills and he didn't disappoint. The contest was judged by an impartial panel and, sure enough, B.J. and his team came in first place. Sharon awarded prizes to the winners, but the real prize is the nutrition education and cooking skills the teens now possess.

Thank you, Sharon, for making good nutrition a delicious subject and congratulations to B.J. for being the "Top Chef."

good eats for a good cause

2009-08-17T07:02:00.000-07:00

The new red velvet cheesecake at Cheesecake Factory is not only delicious but helps feed the hungry! How is that possible you ask? Well, the Cheesecake Factory and Feeding America have partnered up for Hunger Action Month in September.

I was in Denver this weekend and since we don't have a Cheesecake Factory in Lubbock, I decided I needed (yes, needed) to go try out this new cheesecake and help support the South Plains Food Bank and Feeding America! It was great but what is even more great is all the exciting events that are coming up in September in conjunction with Hunger Action Month!

I will be detailing those as we get closer to September but the theme is "Give a Little, Feed a Lot"! You can give your voice, your time and/or your money. Stay tuned for ways to do all three!!

First day back

2009-08-13T09:52:00.000-07:00

When I came to work this morning, I struggled to find a parking place. Normally, this would be a cause of much frustration but at the SPFB it simply means that more people are out helping alleviate the problem of hunger in thier community! It was PACKED!! Not a spot in the parking lot or on the street (good exercise for me).

The activity inside the food bank has been non-stop all day. It always is but today there is a certain energy that I can't quite put my finger on but I love it! Today is the first day back for Lubbock teachers and one middle has spent their firt day back volunteering at the food bank. What a way to start the year out!! Each day teachers all across the nation give back to our children, these teachers went above and beyond their normal service to help feed the hungry.

They know how important it is for children to start school each day on a full stomach. They are able to do their jobs when their students aren't having to worry about where their next meal is coming from. So here they are, doing their part to ensure that children start the year off right! Thank you for spending your first day back at the South Plains Food Bank!

Service begins at home

2009-08-11T09:53:00.000-07:00

A few days ago in a meeting at the SPFB, someone challenged us to remember why we work and/or volunteer at the food bank. I think this is a great exercise for multiple reasons. Mainly, I think we get caught up in the job and forget why we are doing the job. It's easy to look at numbers and forget the faces of the clients we serve.

I saw the above quote, "Service begins at home", and remembered exactly why I work at the food bank. It all started at home. My mom taught me a lot of things and in all those things she taught how to achieve a life well lived. She didn't simply talk about it -- she did it. I remember her telling me how important it was to treat everyone the same -- from the cleaning crew to the CEO -- and did just that. She served. She served her community, her family and her church. More importantly, she brought my brother and I along to serve. It's one thing to give your time and money to give others a hand up but it's quite another to pass that on to the next generation. By handing down those same values, we ensure that the legacy of service is continued long after we are gone.

I was blessed to not worry about my next meal or if I was going to have a place to sleep at night. It is because I was blessed and given so many opportunities that I am passionate about helping others have those same opportunities. And because I was shown, firsthand, to believe that everyone should have the opportunity to succeed.

Going to Bed Hungry ...

2009-08-10T09:23:00.000-07:00

I don't know about anyone else but I have this really bad habit of wanting to eat before I go to bed. I'm trying to break it and if I just HAVE to eat something, I try to make it healthy. So last night as I was thinking about NOT eating before bed, I thougt about why I eat before I go to bed. I sleep better. I don't sleep well when my stomach is growling at me. If I do manage to fall asleep despite that little growl, I wake up in the middle of the night. So either way, I don't get a good night's sleep.

So what about those individuals, children and adults alike, who go to bed hungry every night. They most likely don't get a good nights sleep and that effects the entire next day. Again, when I don't sleep a few things happen. First, people really don't want to be around me, I am not a happy person. More importantly, my thinking is affected, my ability to learn is affected and my eating and exercise habits are affected. If I'm so tired that I can't think straight, I certainly do not want to cook. I want the quickest and easiest food available to me. That generally tends to be fast food and well, that doesn't help my mind think straight either. I certainly don't want to exercise when I'm that tired. Yet, exercising helps me sleep (and work off that fast food I just ate). It's a vicious cycle that once started is hard to break. The cycle of poverty is much the same. Without the proper nutrition, people don't get a good night's sleep, then they can't function to their best ability during the day and most likely don't eat healthy or exercise and the cycle starts all over when they, once again, go to bed hungry.

By helping people get three healthy meals a day, you are helping break that cycle that keeps generations of families in poverty. The shevles are low this month at the South Plains Food Bank and the number of people coming in are high. Next time you go grocery shopping, think about buying a few extra cans of food and donating them to the South Plains Food Bank.

Thank you for all you do!

Stuff the Bus: School Supply Drive

2009-08-06T08:39:00.000-07:00

For 19 years, the Lubbock community has been providing school supplies for children whose parents are not able to purchase the supplies themselves.The need for school supplies is no different this year, although we are expecting an increase in need.

The first day of a new school year should be exciting for students, the smell of a freshly sharpened pencil, new crayons, a new classroom, new locker. As a child, I took all these items (and more) for granted. I approached each school year with much anticipation! It breaks my heart that for some the start of a new school year is simply one more reminder that of what they do not have. They will get a new classroom and a new locker, they just might not be able to fill that locker with school supplies. If they are lucky enough to have school supplies, they are most likely hand me downs or scraps from home. HOWEVER, thanks to your participation in the Stuff the Bus school supply drive, we are able to provide thousands of children in Lubbock County with new school supplies. Last year, we handed out ~4,000 sets of basic school supplies. This year we are expecting to serve 4,500 children.

Starting August 1st, every United store in Lubbock and Slaton will have barrels for donated school supplies. Please help us fill the barrels daily throughout the entire month of August!!

Another Way of Life

2009-08-03T19:49:00.000-07:00

I wrote earlier about how humbling and refreshing it was to work with people who genuinely care about the individuals they serve but I don't think I really put into words what I wanted to get across. As humans we all want to be a part of something that is bigger than ourselves. We want to be a part of something good; something that helps others. Even more than that, at the heart of it, we want to serve others.

I'm re-reading a book titled My Grandfather's Blessings: Stories of Strength, Refuge, and Belonging by Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D. Dr. Remen is cofounder and medical director of a Cancer Help Program and has counseled those with chronic illness for over twenty years. Her perspective on life is both wise and thought-provoking. She contrasts serving with helping and fixing.

"True service is not a relationship between an expert and a problem: it is far more genuine than that. It is a relationship between people who bring the full resources of their combined humanity to the table and share them generously. Service goes beyond expertise. Service is another way of life." (p. 198)

She goes on to say that when one "helps" someone, they often feel superior because they are using their own strengths and gifts. Yet when one serves, they give of themselves. When we give of ourselves, there is no feeling of superiority which leaves the other person feeling small and cheapened by life's circumstances. Dr. Remen goes on to talk about how when we give of ourselve, our entire wholeness, we are often humbled to find that "the thing that serves best is not all [our] ... knowledge but something about life [we] may have learned from ... a child" (p.199).

What a way to live life -- serving others by giving of our selves, our experiences and our hearts.

Grateful

2009-08-03T08:27:00.000-07:00

As summer starts to wind down, I think of all the vacations many families enjoyed this summer. I am sure that some families skipped vacation this year because of the recession. Yet, I can't help but think of the families who have sacrificed food this summer because of the recession. When my thoughts head in that direction, I find myself grateful. Grateful that I have a job and I don't have to go hungry. Grateful that we live in a country where we are able to help one another out. I'm grateful for you and for your continued support of the South Plains Food Bank. Finally, I'm grateful for the hearts of the staff members I get to work with everyday at the SPFB.

To be in a staff meeting where people are brought tears because of hard times that have hit a family in this community is not only humbling but refreshing. We may not agree on everything (who does) but we agree on one thing: that sometimes people need a helping hand. Who hasn't needed help at one point in time or another? Again, thank you for your continued support.

Go Texan

2009-07-30T07:33:00.000-07:00

GO TEXAN is a program sponsored by the Texas Department of Agriculture. The program is designed to encourage and champion restaurants in Texas who use Texas grown meats, produce and other ingredients. So why is this important? Why am I writing about it and why is the Texas Department of Agriculture promoting it? There are many advantages to eating locally.

On average, your food travels 1500 miles from where it was grown to your table. 1500 miles! That is a long way. In the process, there is a substantial amount of economic and environmental loss. In light of the current recession people are looking to cut back in various aspects of their lives. One way individuals typically do this is by buying less fresh produce because it is so costly. (However, it is just as costly on their health to not buy fresh fruits and vegetables.) Part of that cost is the fuel used to get it to your local grocer. Buying locally grown produce not only supports the local farming community but is cheaper for you! Seems like another win-win to me!

Secondly, it only does it saves you financially but you get a fresher product. Who doesn't want that? Buying locally also ensures that you are eating produce that is in season, again making it more fresh. In short, there is really no negative side to purchasing locally grown produce and while you are at it -- eating at restaurants that also make a point of buying their ingredients locally.

For a list of participating Lubbock restaurants, click here.

Simple Goodness

2009-07-29T07:54:00.000-07:00

A few posts ago I wrote about fresh produce and the SPFB's farm and apple orchard. Yesterday, I blogged about the GRUB program at the farm and the integral role they play in having fresh produce for our clients. Well, when I went to the farm last week, I didn't leave empty handed. Roy, our farmer, sent me home with fresh squash, cucumber, tomatoes and okra. YUM!

I went out of town this weekend so last night was the first opportunity I had to cook with the fresh vegetables. My favorite vegetable is okra, so I sliced up about half the okra and boiled it. I didn't do anything fancy, no breading, no oil, just a little salt. It was delicious!!! If I'm honest I will admit that I usually use frozen okra but I'm not sure I can go back now. There is just something so "fresh" about cooking with fresh produce. You don't need all the fancy spices or frying -- it is good just the way nature intended.

Tonight I'm planning to make a squash casserole with my fresh produce, grown right here in West Texas! It is my grandmother's recipe and it too uses few ingredients. I love it because the squash flavor is not overpowered by a bunch of additional ingredients. Just add some milk and a little water and voila! you have a squash casserole that is outstanding! In fact, as a little girl I could not stand squash (crazy, I love it now) and the only way I would eat it was this casserole recipe. I can't wait to try it with my squash from the SPFB's farm!!

G.R.U.B.

2009-07-27T08:55:00.000-07:00

GRUB stands for Growing Recruits for Urban Business. It just might be one of my favorite programs the SPFB runs (although, I say that about almost all of them)! It is one of those programs that not only has a great concept but works in reality as well.

Each year a group of teenagers work at the farm. They not only learn lessons about horticulture but they learn life lessons. They learn to work together, they see a project from beginning to end and they learn to live in community with one another. From a business perspective they learn how to market and sell their products. In return, the SPFB has fresh produce! What a great partnership for everyone.

Last week, I was able to go to the farm and see it all firsthand. WOW! What a great time. I happened to be there at the end of their workday. This particular day the youth were saying goodbye to two of their fellow workers whose time at the farm had ended. One of the interns, who has been working at the farm for a few years, put a video together for them. The video does a great job of showcasing the work that is accomplished and the relationships that are formed through the GRUB program.

A big thanks to the donors, who make it financially possible and to Jenifer, who makes it run daily!

DIsaster Relief

2009-07-23T08:44:00.000-07:00

As a food bank, our objective is to feed people in their time of need and to give them hope in their time of despair. This includes times of natural disaster. Now is the time to prepare for possible disasters, when they have yet to occur. If organizations are found scrambling after the fact, distribution is often less efficient, more time consuming and chaotic. While we may not be in danger of being in the eye of a hurricane, we all know the devastating effects tornadoes can have on our corner of the world.

Not only do we want to be prepared for a local disaster, we want to be prepared to lend a hand in a national disaster as well. Food banks generally play a large role in disaster relief and the SPFB is no exception! Your consistent donations to the SPFB not only help us feed those who are hungry now but they enable us to be prepared for the unexpected, such a local or national disaster.

Lubbock Tornado (May 1970)

Working Hungry

2009-07-21T08:12:00.000-07:00

It's a common misconception, that people who are food insecure and need food vouchers don't work. It might even ease our conscious just a little to think, "Well, I work hard for my food". Fact is, a recent survey reported 37% of adults who requested emergency food service were employed. Yes, you read that correctly - over one third of the people requesting assistance are working. They simply don't make a "living wage". What is the difference between a "living wage" and "minimum wage"? A living wage means an individual is working forty hours a week and making enough money to afford quality housing, food, utilities and transportation.

The most vulnerable population to be labeled as "working poor" are young families with children under the age of 18. It is the mother with twin boys, who are growing and eating faster than she can work and put more food on the table. It is the widow with young children, dealing with grief, the children's grief, and the stress of making ends meet. It might the couple who each have a part time job but still have to choose between food and medical attention for their children. Hunger has many faces and chances are we interact with those faces each week and have no idea. It is not always the unemployed, although unemployment is a major factor in food insecurity. Remember, on the South Plains, 1 in 5 individuals suffers from food insecurity.

Mobile Pantries

2009-07-20T11:31:00.000-07:00

While some of the SPFB's clients are able to come to the SPFB and get their food boxes, there are others who are not able to get to the SPFB. They may not have transportation or they may not be able to be there during business hours. In West Texas, there are a lot of clients who live in rural areas and if someone is food insecure, they are most likely not going to be able to afford to drive to Lubbock for food. The solution: MOBILE PANTRIES!!

What exactly is a mobile pantry? Just as the name implies, it is a traveling food pantry. The SPFB is able to drive trucks, full of food boxes, to the rural areas of the South Plains and hand them out. As the population in rural West Texas ages, this service is increasingly important. The elderly are a vulnerable population to begin with and with the baby boomers reaching retirement and fixed incomes, mobile pantries are only going to become more imperitive for food banks across the country. Your food and monetary donations help make it possible for the SPFB to reach the rural population on the South Plains!

Fresh Food

2009-07-16T07:28:00.000-07:00

We all know we are supposed to eat healthy. We know we need to eat our vegetables and that "an apple a day, keeps the doctor away". For some reason, it is often hard to eat healthy. Why is that? I think part of it is because we live in a world where we want (and often get) instant gratification. We want food and we want it now! The quickest things to grab are often not the healthiest. At the food banks, it is hard to keep fresh produce around. There are always canned and frozen fruits and vegetables that will keep but I always wonder just what is in there that allows them to keep for so long. Just a thought. The SPFB has come up with a few ideas that help get fresh produce into the food boxes we hand out.

For those of you who don't know, the SPFB has a farm where they grow various kinds of fruit and vegetables and an apple orchard. The apple orchard was originally funded in 1994 and by 1997 around 25,000 pounds of fresh apples were being distributed through the food bank to their clients. The SPFB also has a program called "Produce for the Plains"; produce, which would otherwise goes to waste, is donated by local wholesalers to the SPFB for weekly distribution at three City of Lubbock Community Centers.

Why is getting fresh produce distributed even important? There are many reasons but I won't bore you with all of them (not today anyways). I do want to briefly mention an article I read yesterday titled, "The Healthiest Foods On Earth". The author wrote about various societies that have been known for healthy lifestyles and how each diet differed except for one thing, "all these healthy diets have in common the fact that they are absent foods with bar codes". They can be high in fat, low in fat, high in carbohydrates, low in carbohydrates, high in protein, low in protein -- they simply are full of foods that are free from bar codes and full of natural vitamins and antioxidants. It seems so simple. Yet, it is so hard sometimes. So I applaud the the SPFB in their constant (and successful) efforts to not only feed the hungry, but to feed them well.

Just One Is All It Takes

2009-07-15T07:52:00.000-07:00

As I was searching about teens and hunger today I came across a website called "Teens Fighting Hunger". I was intrigued. This nonprofit organization was started by a 16 year old in 2007 and continues to raise money to eradicate hunger in children today. It all started with a paper the founder wrote for school, where she learned that 12.4 million children go hungry each month in the United States. She decided to do something about it. She and her fellow volunteers make jewelry to sell at farmers markets all across Oregon. All the proceeds go to help end hunger in the United States. I've included a link to a video of Teens Fighting Hunger presenting a check to the Oregon Food Bank in the amount of $10,000.

Wow. I know sometimes it seems overwhelming because there are so many needs to be met throughout our community, the United States and the world. Where does one even begin? What can I do, I'm only one person. I can't make that big of a difference. I am sure we have all had these thoughts, we are human after all. Whenever I get overwhelmed with what I can and cannot do, I remember the following quote and I have hope. Hope, that I just might be able to make a difference in my corner of the world.

I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do. ~Edward Everett Hale

So many times we think about we cannot do but the truth is we may never know the impact of helping just one person. That person may one day pay it forward to someone and that person just might turn around and help someone else and on and on it goes. In 2000, there was a movie based on this principle of "paying it forward". According to the movie, if one person does one good deed for someone and that person pays it forward to three people and each of those three individuals paid it forward to three more people, by the end of two weeks 4,782,969 individuals will have been on the receiving end of a helping hand. Who says one person can't a difference? Not me.

Downtown Art Market

2009-07-14T08:09:00.000-07:00

In May 2009 Lubbock's Downtown Art Market (DAM) opened and has steadily gained momentum each month. I have to admit I didn't know what the DAM was until I started at the SPFB and learned about the GRUB farm's booth. So what is the DAM?

It is a place for local talent, artists and growers to showcase their homemade or homegrown products! DAM is located in Tornado Alley, right in the heart of downtown Lubbock. There are many great talents in West Texas and this monthly event is a great way to showcase just what West Texans can do and grow!

Not only is the DAM a good place for local artists, it is also a great place for the teenagers working at the GRUB farm to exhibit their hard work. Part of the GRUB progam is designed to teach adolescents life and job skills. The DAM provides a unique opportunity for them to learn business skills they might not otherwise be able to learn. For most of the teens who are a part of GRUB, this program is their only opportunity to gain these valuable skills. It can be life changing for them to be a part of this program. Thank you to Jenifer, the staff at the GRUB farm and the hard-working teens!

Thank You

2009-07-13T08:54:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't posted a blog in a few dsys -- this is because I was out at the Can-Can Food Drive, the SPFB's annual summer food drive. There are so many inspiring stories that I almost don't know where to start. I want to share the entire week with everyone.

One of the overarching themes last week was how amazing it was to see the Lubbock community reach out and help re-stock the shelves of the SPFB. Lubbock has always been known as a giving community but to see it first-hand was humbling. It's one thing to see high rates of giving in times of prosperity but in a recession that has no end in sight, that says something about the character of a community. Thank you Lubbock. Thank you for helping us satisfy one of the most basic of human needs, the need for nourishment. Thank you for helping to instill hope in those who need a helping hand. Thank you for proving that it is not all bad news in the world today, that there are people willing to help their neighbors.

Food Drives

2009-07-07T19:48:00.001-07:00

Have you ever donated food to a food drive for a food bank? More specifically have you ever donated food to a South Plains Food Bank food drive? I have. I remember when my daughters were in school and they would come home asking to take cans to school for the food bank so they could get out of doing homework or could earn an extra point on a test. I complied without questioning why the food bank needed the food or to whom it was going. I opened my pantry and pulled out the "mistakes" I had purchased at the grocery store. That can of cream-style corn when I meant to pick up whole-kernel. The canned baby shrimp I thought I would use in a salad, but didn't. The extra can of pork-n-beans I didn't use when I made baked beans. I never gave any thought to what cans I pulled out of the pantry to send to school for the food bank.

Now I work for the food bank and I see first hand the need for good nutritious food. The need for high protein, whole grain, nutritious food; food just like I would want to serve to my family. Not the dented cans or the cans missing their labels.

Today David Weaver, the Executive Director of the South Plains Food Bank, related a story to me that made me cry (okay - if you know me, you know this doesn't take much, but this is a very touching story). He was at the food drive site this afternoon when a young, twenty-something, man showed up. The young man asked about the pre-made sacks of groceries available to donate to the food bank for $5. He told David that when he was a child they received food assistance from the food bank and he got tired of the "same old food bank food" and would it be okay if he purchased items of his choosing. He returned a short while later with over $100 worth of food to donate to the food bank. I wish I could have taken a peek into his grocery bags. I bet there wasn't one single can of cream-style corn!

I'm not knocking cream-style corn. But I am in awe of this young man who is "paying it forward." If you would like to donate to the South Plains Food Bank's summer food drive you can donate at the food drive site at the United Supermarket at 82nd Street and Frankford Ave. or you can donate online at www.spfb.org

I wish I could be a fly on the wall when our families-in-need receive the food items donated by our imaginative donor today.

Mascera, Mudflap (KLLL), a tutu and the Can-Can Food Drive

2009-07-07T08:03:00.000-07:00

Today as I was running a few errands before work I tuned in to KLLL's morning show. They have kicked off the Annual Can Can Food Drive for us in a huge way! We don't officially get out there until 11am with all the sponsors and volunteers but Jeff, Kelli and Mudflap were already promoting the food drive and getting people in to buy $5 bags of food to help re-stock the SPFB!

I started listening at 8am and their goal was to sell 20, $5 bags in an hour. First, let me explain about the bags of food. Every bag is filled with food, healthy food, that will go into the food boxes the SPFB hands out. United is selling them for $5 (they worth more than that) and the SPFB is able to feed one more family on the South Plains. Mudflap (from KLLL's morning show) was on site to sell those bags! They are at the register of the United on 82nd and Frankford. Okay, back to the goal. With 15 minutes left, they had already sold 39 bags so they increased their goal to 100 bags!! From 20 to 100 -- WOW!! There were some people who simply stopped by and handed their money to Mudflap and he then went and bought the bags. It's that easy!!!

I have to say that I'm glad I wasn't wearing mascera this morning -- ladies, you know what I mean. Any water in the eyes and that stuff just runs like mad down your face. I wasn't expecting to be so moved by the generosity of our fellow Lubbockites, but I was. I couldn't help but think, this community really does care. Maybe I'm an idealist or maybe people just really want to see Mudflap in a tutu (that's right, if our goal for the day is reached, Mudflap will wear a tutu tomorrow). However, I choose to believe that even in this time of economic hardship that is hitting us all, people still want to afford their friends and neighbors the right to eat. I think of the faces of the children that will be fed thanks to this food drive and I can't help but tear up a little.

Our goal for the week is 1000 bags ... so let's keep it going strong Lubbock!

Can Can Food Drive: Tuesday - Friday (THIS WEEK)

2009-07-06T09:54:00.000-07:00

Join us at United on 82nd and Frankford for the 8th Annual Can Can Food Drive, the SPFB's summer food drive. The Food Bank truck, along with volunteers from Covenant and the Food Bank will be on-hand daily from 11:00 am until 6:30 pm to accept donations of food and money. We are partnering with The Texas Peanut Producers Board, Keva Juice, and United Supermarkets, KLLL, KLBK, Bodyworks and Latino Lubbock Newsletter to provide food to feed the hungry in West Texas.

As the heat rises on the South Plains, so does the number of clients served by the SPFB. During the summer months there is an increased demand for food boxes because children are at home, not eating breakfast and lunch at school. According to LISD, 65% of the 28,000 students enrolled this past year were eligible for the reduced lunch program - 17,520 children. On average, 500 boxes are distributed to needy families every week through the SPFB. Our warehouse shelves are empty by the end of June as the food donated during previous food drives depletes.

Not only are we going to collect food but we are going to have fun doing it! Keva Juice will provide some relief from heat and Bodyworks will have their climbing wall on-site for those who dare to climb up! Every child that climbs to the top will have a jar of peanut butter donated to the SPFB, in their name, by the The Texas Peanut Producers Board. So come out, have fun, and help those in need! For more information visit our website.

Goal: To fill a truck each day. The food collected through this drive is used in food boxes which are given out daily to families in need.

Freedom from Hunger (and Happy 4th of July!)

2009-07-03T17:44:00.000-07:00

The word freedom has many definitions. This weekend we, as Americans, will celebrate our freedom as a country. However, there are millions of individuals across our nations that are not free from food insecurity. They have many freedoms but the freedom from hunger is not they currently know.

As discussed in previous posts, hunger affects the young and old, male and female, every race and ethnicity. Food insecurity can affect anyone and everyone. As citizens of one of the greatest nations on earth we should be able to provide the very basic of needs to our neighbors, food. While providing food may not solve all the problems in an individuals life, it is our sincere desire that it also provides hope. Hope that tomorrow will be the day they get that job that allows them the freedom to go to the grocery store and pay utility bills. Hope that their children will get a nutricious meal that night. Hope that they are not alone.

Please help us give Americans another holiday to celebrate -- Freedom from Hunger

The Greatest Generation

2009-06-30T09:34:00.001-07:00

They have been labeled "The Greatest Generation". They are comprised of our mothers, grandmothers, fathers and grandfathers. They are also one of the most vulnerable populations at risk for food insecurity in our country today.

So what are we doing to help give them hope and a nutritious meal? Your donations are helping us feed, not only children, but senior citizens aross the South Plains. Summer is especially hard on the elderly. Water is always an appreciated donation. Even with the break in cool weather dehydration can cause major health problems for our senior citizens.