@feedingamerica

class="content__text" Today is #ArmedForcesDay. Initially created in 1949 as a way to increased awareness of the Armed Forces it grew to expand public understanding of military jobs, the role of the military, and acknowledge the people of the Armed Forces of the United States. No one who served this country should struggle to feed their family. But that's the reality for many veterans, active-duty service members, and military families. 1 in 9 working-age veterans lived in food-insecure households, and 1 in 4 active-duty service members was food insecure in 2020. That's why Feeding America and people like Augie are here to help. “A lot of people don’t realize the struggles of veterans,” Augustine “Augie” Serrano explains, a retired Sergeant First Class after 22 years in the Army. Through a partnership with @feedhopenow , he develops relationships with homeless veterans, visiting with them and offering food and housing. “All kinds of circumstances bring them to be homeless,” he said. “My job is trying to reintegrate them back into the community.” Military service is mission-oriented, Augie said. But once soldiers leave that structure, they can feel directionless. “That’s the biggest trouble for us veterans: figuring out how we’re going to complete the mission,” he said. Through his street outreach to homeless veterans in the Orlando area, he tries to reestablish that sense of meaning through a new mission: recovery. “Recovery is something that is going to be for the rest of their life,” Augie said. “We start learning how to be a member of society again.” Augie knows not everyone is ready to begin their path to recovery, but he wants them to know he’s here for them. “If they reach out, my hand is here,” he said. #MilitaryAppreciationMonth

May 21, 2023

class="content__text" May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Hunger and health are intricately linked. People living in food insecure homes experience challenges in accessing nutritious foods. A poor quality diet that lacks nutritious food has detrimental effects on a person's mental health. Facing hunger can be stressful. Worrying about where your next meal will come from can cause mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and even post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The American Academy of Pediatrics revealed that mothers with school-aged children who face severe hunger are 56.2% more likely to have PTSD and 53.1% more likely to have severe depression. The inability to feed your loved ones can have traumatic effects on a person’s mental health. For children, food insecurity is particularly devastating. Not having enough healthy food can have serious implications for a child’s physical and mental health, academic achievement and future economic prosperity. Research shows an association between food insecurity and behavioral problems like hyperactivity, anxiety and aggression in school-age children. Learn more about hunger & health by visiting our link in bio.

May 18, 2023

class="content__text" In the Spring of 2020, the COVID pandemic was just taking hold across the country and many of our neighbors were facing a new reality: visiting a food pantry for the first time ever. With volunteer numbers down as many people quarantined in their homes, Christina Sung knew she had to do something to help. “I was raised to give back whenever you can,” she said. “With the pandemic, I wanted to find a way to help out if I could.” She saw a post on Facebook looking for a Chinese translator at a food pantry not far from her home in Chicago, so she jumped at the opportunity to give back. “I thought, ‘How great would it be to use my language skills to help out?’” she said. So, she started volunteering once a week at the St. James Food Pantry, a partner of the @FoodDepository . She helps check-in clients weekly and also assists with the pantry’s mobile food distribution once a month. Because the pantry serves a predominantly Asian-American community, her knowledge of multiple Chinese dialects helps her make a connection with the clients. “You can see in the expressions of the people that come to the pantry when I talk to them, ‘Oh, you understand me! You can get me what I need,’ and that’s a good feeling,” she said. Besides using her language skills to help out, volunteering at a food-focused organization was a no-brainer for Christina. She’s a chef herself and her grandfather and uncle were also chefs, so she knows the power of food. “Most people don’t think Asians are lacking, but so many are working in restaurants and a lot are out of work because many of those businesses have been closed down,” she said. “Food is one of the basics. I want to make sure people are fed, especially right now.” #aapiheritagemonth

May 17, 2023

class="content__text" Families gathering around the dinner table and sharing a nourishing meal is what we're all about. Feeding America and our partner food banks are here to help create these moments for families, but we can't do it alone. Take Daryl for example. Daryl is a single dad in Detroit who dedicates every day to make sure his boys have the best life possible. “There were times I went hungry to make sure they ate,” he remembers. “If I had to, I’d sell my stuff to make sure they had shoes for school or clothes.” When Dayrl does need a little help, he visits a nearby food pantry. “It does get hard sometimes,” Dayrl said. “Especially if I don’t have a good week at work and we’re low on food – we’ll get a meal at the pantry. And on Tuesdays, they even give the boys a little box with goodies in it. “They treat me like family. I know I have help if I need it.” And for Dayrl – family is everything. Learn more about programs that assist families like Dayrl and how you can help on this #InternationalDayOfFamilies by visiting our link in bio.

May 16, 2023

class="content__text" Today we honor moms, and motherly figures everywhere, especially the millions of moms facing hunger – moms who are resilient, strong and doing everything they can for their families. Moms deserve something special on Mother's Day. You can help give moms and caregivers facing hunger the support they need to help their families thrive. Consider making a donation in honor of your mom today by visiting our link in bio. 🌸

May 15, 2023

class="content__text" Bertie Branham, 78, has cared for others for as long as she can remember. Growing up with a single mother, Bertie helped raise her four younger siblings. She said she wishes that food banks had been around to help. “We had to take care of each other and share with each other so that we could survive,” she said while picking up bags of groceries for her family at the Monacan Indian Nation Food Bank, partner of Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. “Food has always been hard for us to come by.” Bertie lives on a fixed income, and the food bank has become a lifesaver, she said. “I don’t have to worry about trying to get food anymore. It’s right here for me.” The groceries help feed her grandchildren and their families, some of whom she looks after every day. “That’s what life is all about: helping each other and taking care of each other,” she said. #OAM

May 14, 2023

class="content__text" When disaster strikes, Feeding America is on the ground and ready to provide food assistance and emergency supplies. We're ready to help neighbors who suddenly need extra support after a disaster. The nationwide Feeding America network is deeply rooted in every community nationwide. We're there before, during, and after a disaster providing impacted food banks with food, water, and supplies for local disaster response efforts. Not all disasters get the media coverage they deserve. Our Disaster Response Fund allows us to send financial resources and emergency supplies to all communities impacted by disasters. To learn more and donate, visit our link in bio.

May 14, 2023

class="content__text" More than two decades ago, a friend invited Audrey Wong – known as “Auntie Audrey” in her community – to help families in need at an elementary school near her home in Hawaii. “When I got there, I saw all of these big trucks with food,” she fondly recalls. “That was the first time I ever saw a @hawaiifoodbank truck, and I could see they were really helping others. I had no idea how much our community was impacted — how many families were struggling and not having enough to eat. That made me say, ‘I want to do all I can, too.’” Now, Auntie Audrey and a group of volunteers help distribute food at a park district site every first and third Monday of the month. They distribute food to more than 100 families. She knows firsthand how much the food means to her community. “When I first got married, we encountered very hard times. My husband became unemployed. We didn’t want our parents to know we were struggling, so we ended up living in our car with our first child,” she says with tears her eyes. “I remember going to the grocery store with my pennies, nickels and dimes — trying to buy a single can of Carnation cream, so my baby could have his milk.” The young couple lived in their car for three months. They eventually found their way, thanks to the help of strangers. “I will never forget that time in my life,” she reflects back. “I had complete strangers give us food. It reminded me of what my father taught us as children. He taught us to love people — not for what they look like or what they have. Just love the person.” At 71, she continues to share that sentiment with others. Just as those strangers helped her all those years ago, she now creates second chances for others — building relationships and breaking down barriers. “I don’t always know their names, and they may not know mine — and that is okay. I still always smile and say, ‘I’ll see you next week.’ It becomes more than just food; it’s about being a friend to them. It is not my job to judge others,” she explains. “That’s why I see a rainbow when I look at someone in need. I see the heart of the person. It is important to build friendships. It is a bridge to their hearts.” #AAPIHeritageMonth

May 14, 2023

class="content__text" When 11-year-old Elijah grows up, he already knows he wants to be an engineer. A robotic engineer, specifically. “I want to build robots that help around the house,” he said. “So, if you need help, or your car breaks down, it’ll get fixed. Helping people makes me feel proud of myself.” Elijah, knows a lot about helping people. He lives with his grandfather, Robert, and five other siblings in San Antonio, Texas. As the oldest of the bunch, Elijah often helps his grandfather with the other kids and with chores. “If there’s trash in the living room, I clean it up. Or if there are messy shoes everywhere, I put them where they’re supposed to be. If (my grandfather) needs to lay down or cook, I’ll take everyone outside to play,” he said. And when Elijah’s not helping out, he’s busy at school. On top of keeping up with schoolwork, Elijah is in robotics club, where he’s learning to build and code robots to do simple tasks. With Elijah’s skills and passion, it shouldn’t be a surprise that his team recently did well at a competition. “We got second place,” he said. “It made me really excited and I felt like I accomplished something.” When school is out, Elijah stays busy, too. During the summer, he loves swimming, playing basketball and bouncing around on the trampoline with his siblings. Sometimes during the summer, his family picks up free meals from @safoodbank nearby their home. “When I’m hungry, I get tired or I’ll get distracted,” Elijah said. “But when I’m not, I’m on-task and I can focus.” Elijah eats free breakfast and lunch at school as well. Having consistent meals in the classroom enables him to focus not only on his schoolwork, but on his passion – robotics. “If I’m full, I’m ready for whatever happens,” he said.

May 14, 2023

class="content__text" “It all began in 8th grade. I noticed a lot of people didn’t like the food. They just threw it away without realizing the huge consequences of this” Arthur stated. Wanting to make a difference, Arthur embarked on a search for opportunities and discovered @feedingsandiego 's food rescue and volunteer program, where he learned about the organization's efforts to rescue surplus food and distribute it to neighbors in need. Arthur's dedication and enthusiasm soon bore fruit, as he successfully organized a volunteer group with around 40 participants. “It started by hosting a successful volunteer group—about 40 people showed up to it!” Arthur proudly exclaimed. A notable aspect of Feeding San Diego that resonates deeply with Arthur is their approach to handling expired and non-edible food. Instead of allowing it to go to waste, the organization repurposes this food by providing it to farm animals, underscoring their commitment to minimizing food waste and adopting sustainable solutions. Arthur expresses his happiness with this practice, stating, "What I also love is that leftover or expired food, they give it to farm animals". Situated in Mira Mesa, Feeding San Diego's Produce Pantry serves a population with the highest Asian and Pacific Islander representation, numbering at 29,993. Arthur acknowledges that this cultural connection adds to the sense of privilege he feels while leading and volunteering. “I feel really great serving this community because I have a connection with them in so many ways” he states. Arthur's passion and leadership has welcomed numerous friends and classmates within his age group to join him in volunteering at the produce pantry. However, his impact extends beyond his peers, leaving an impression on individuals of all ages. “I would definitely recommend young leaders like me to step up and serve in a position of leadership or volunteer—really anything that helps out the community."

May 14, 2023

class="content__text" More than 30 years ago, Thoupo and her family came to the United States seeking refuge from the war in Cambodia. After she emigrated, Thoupo began working in a factory that made car parts in Michigan. The workplace initially accommodated her disability – which requires her to sit down intermittently – but after 25 years, their policies changed and Thoupo’s chair was taken away, forcing her to leave. “I get help from family and friends,” she said. “Also, I have disability checks which I use to pay for the bills.” These days, there are a lot of bills, especially medical bills, as she takes care of her husband, who has osteoporosis. To make ends meet, Thoupo gets food from a Mobile Pantry in Holland, Michigan. The pantry works with the @feedingwestmich food bank. “I come get the food for him because he cannot,” she said. Thanks to the Mobile Food Pantries, Thoupo is able to cook the food she likes for both herself and her husband. “They have a variety of food that usually I don’t buy. I like it a lot,” she said. “I cook for myself – stir fry, soup. Lots of soup!” Thoupo credits the food – especially the soup – for helping her get through Michigan’s long winters. “I love the four seasons and the opportunity that I can live and go to work and get my life balance,” she said. Paired with Thoupo’s bright smile is her caring heart. Whenever she is able, she shares what she cooks with others – usually her son and sister. She tries to arrive early to each Mobile Pantry she attends, so that she can lend a hand. “I just like to help out a little,” she said. “Not just to come and get (food).”

May 07, 2023

class="content__text" May is National High Blood Pressure Education Month. In addition to learning about the health risks of hypertension, it is important to note how and who develop it. Food insecurity and health are intricately linked. People living in food insecure homes experience challenges in accessing nutritious foods and face barriers to consistently adopting healthy eating patterns. This leads to an increased risk of developing health problems, including diabetes and hypertension. According to Feeding America’s Hunger in America 2014 report, a third of households served by the food bank network have at least one member living with diabetes and nearly 60% of households have someone living with hypertension. In addition, food insecure seniors are over twice as likely to report fair or poor general health, 74 percent more likely to be diabetic and 19 percent more likely to have high blood pressure. (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2016) Learn more about hunger and health by visiting our link in bio.

May 07, 2023