FollowBy Samantha Naron
“And the people asked him saying, What shall we do then? He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.” Luke 3:10-11
It has recently come to my attention that the need for food in America is great and ever increasing. While as a nation we waste on average 30–40 percent of the food supply (www.USDA.gov), there are an estimated 40 million people living in what the USDA deems “food-insecure households.” Can we stop and ponder this number—40 million? What are the implications of such a large population of people going hungry or, at the very least, being in significant danger of going hungry?
I would like to introduce you to an acquaintance of mine. She has given me permission to use her name and story. Cici Lynn is one of the 40 million people facing food insecurity in America. About one year ago, Cici suffered two tremendous and tragic losses in her family. Naturally, this led to a severe mourning period and eventually depression. She lost her job and just about lost her home. She was able to find part-time employment, but this only covers the cost of her living expenses, and she is caretaker to her mother, daughter, and grandchild. Cici has visited her local food bank consistently but still struggles to have enough. Most food bank visits supply her with enough starches and baked goods, but they leave her and her family still in need of produce, dairy, and meat—the staples to any good healthy diet. Often, she finds herself and family in the position of simply going without or asking her neighbors if anyone can spare some of these items. In a moment of true vulnerability, Cici confessed that she herself had not eaten in two days, in order to have enough for her family, and she needed dinner for that evening. Let’s not overlook the fact that demographically, Cici is in a low-income area and most of her neighbors are also struggling with food insecurity and finances.
Perhaps you find yourself full of solutions for Cici and others in similar positions. Perhaps your suggestions may be job related or aid related. However, I would challenge us all to take a pause and evaluate our emotions and feelings toward this subject. It is impossible to force someone to act and feel a certain way, but I can attest to what you, the reader, may be experiencing. Feelings of frustration, denial, indignation, overwhelmingness, and so much more. This is a natural response when stories like Cici’s tug at our humanity.
Did you know that most food banks in America take a supplement approach? Because the need is so great, most banks find themselves in the position to supplement dietary needs rather than provide enough food for a family’s entire menu. This ensures there is enough food for everyone who comes through their doors. The Puyallup Nourish Pierce County food bank is open during odd hours and limits visits to once a week. Please don’t misunderstand—our local food banks are truly doing everything they can to help meet the needs of everyone, and most people working at a food bank are volunteers. However, with the ever-increasing need, Nourish Pierce County estimates that their food banks are serving about 46,000 people per month (www.nourishpc.org)! That’s quite a feat to try and keep up with.
Hunger in America is unacceptable to me. It pulls at my heart and causes me many restless nights. The statics alone overwhelm me, and at times I find myself at a loss for what to do. Because truly, what can be done? How do we help a hungry nation without judging them or trying to offer unsolicited advice? For me, it helps to remember that in a recent survey done by www.careerbuilder.com, 78 percent of full-time workers in the United States live paycheck to paycheck, which means that 78 percent of full-time workers are at an increased risk of homelessness and food insecurity. That is a humbling statistic and a huge reality check to me.
It is my Christian duty and conviction to clothe and feed the hungry without judgment and without any expectation. In Deuteronomy 15, Moses gives very specific instruction to the nation of Israel. Verses 7 and 8 are especially convicting: “If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother: But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth.” So, what can be done to help end the hunger crisis in America? It starts with thinking smaller and focusing on your neighborhood and community. Moses instructs us well: “thou shalt not harden thine heart . . . but thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him and lend him sufficient for his need.” The solution is that we give. We give until we can give no more, and then we pray and reach deeper and give again. We put the needs of others above our wants. We pray diligently for the hungry and we plead with the Lord to provide. We open our eyes to the reality that the need is great, and we meet that need without judgment and without accusation. For me, it’s about humbling my heart and submitting to God. The practical is buying a few extra pounds of ground beef and seeking out a needy neighbor. It’s growing my own vegetable garden and giving as much as I can to those in need. Feeding America starts small, but if we all purpose ourselves, we can begin to lessen this growing epidemic. And what’s more, we can show people what it truly means to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
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