Volunteers Count

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.

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!

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. . .

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...

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

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

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..."

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..."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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. . .

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