In High School, I volunteered at our local food pantry as part of my work experience program. Nearly two decades later and on my own, I would need to seek its assistance in order to help meet my food needs and I would be ashamed and frustrated that I would have to do this, but I am elligible and it helps, especially when expenses are tight, as they are now.

My mom made me aware of a documentary on our local PBS that was released amid the global pandemic in 2020 of the food insecurity problem in the region. on my 35th birthday that year, a mass distribution took place at their warehouse and the ariel footage of the line-up of multiple lines of cars going miles down the road, not only there but even today, miles down the roads when these events are held, put it in perspective for me to count my blessings that I am able to get this food and have my mother be willing to take me to get it each month.

Essentially, recently, I accepted that there is no shame in getting help when you need it and to not hold judgment on anyone for having to do so. Everyone has a story that we may not be entitled to hear.

Other than the dressings and seasonings was food from the food pantry that was either items as part of the box or donated by one of our local grocers. It is a air-fryed cornish hen and macaroni salad with store brand mayonnaise and mustard.

Be Kind. Kindness Matters