This day I joined Kathy to go to the food bank as she needs to pick up food to cook the community meals at St. Joseph the Worker Parish. I have to say, it’s a pretty big place but very organized. Shelves and pallets everywhere, and the staff? Absolutely wonderful.
What really struck me was the there are a lot of people keep coming to collect food for themselves and their families. It’s not just nonprofits like ours who can turn these groceries into a meaningful community meals for the needy, many individuals rely on this support. And you know what? Nothing goes to waste here. Every can, every loaf of bread, every bag of carrots finds its way into someone’s kitchen.
Who is the founder of Food Bank?
While we were loading up our supplies ready to make a 200 meals, I couldn’t help but think about how all of this started. Fun fact: do you know who came up with the idea of a food bank? It was John van Hengel back in 1967. He is probably the most influential Catholic that most people have never heard of (The Word Among Us). He met a mom of ten who was getting food from a dumpster to feed her kids. Instead of turning away, he thought, “We can do better than this.” And so, the first food bank was born in Phoenix, Arizona. Thanks to him, communities around the world, including ours, can share resources instead of wasting them.
Leaving the food bank, Kathy and I were feeling very grateful. But honestly, that’s exactly what this is about – gathering food, sharing meals, and reminding people that they’re not alone.
At the end of the day, it’s not just about feeding stomachs. It’s about feeding hope, dignity, and connection. And that, my friends, is something you can’t put a price tag on.
Discover more from Recipe of Life
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
