By MARK HALL
The Feeding Team Feature
Everyone gets to decide, do I serve a neighbor or not? Will I choose to make a difference today or stay on the sidelines? It’s estimated that the average adult makes about 35,000 remotely conscious decisions each day. Researchers at Cornell University estimate we make 226.7 decisions each day on food alone.
Purposeful decisions to serve others selflessly reflects the character of the community. Today’s example of selfless sacrificial service to a neighbor is inspiring for us all.
Recently while loading the pantry at the Hamilton County Fire Fighters Local 4416, we met “Bill” (not his real name) and learned that he regularly shops the pantries. Cautious, he left his car running as he approached to make his request. Bill is in his eighties, a tall man at 6-foot-8 and weathered, rugged from life. As he told his story, we shook hands and he recoiled in arthritic pain. He talked about recently losing his wife and the struggles of being his age and now alone. He was searching for dried white beans and stewed tomatoes. Unfortunately, we did not have any with us and there wasn’t any in the three pantries that Bill frequents. He likes to ferment the beans, but his wife was not a fan. Bill walked away with several items thanking us for the kindness and drove away.
We wrote about Bill on social media and immediately neighbors started reaching out asking to help. As a no questions asked organization, we didn’t have Bill’s contact information. We only know Bill’s story because he offered it.
Enter Sarah (also not her real name). Sarah, a local neighbor herself is 84 and on dialysis three times a week. Sarah took it upon herself to solve this challenge. During a week with three dialysis treatments and a surgery, she took the time to go shopping and buy enough dried white beans and stewed tomatoes to supply all three of the pantries that Bill frequents.
This selfless, kind, caring act was Sarah’s choice and it’s what we stand for. These two elderly neighbors will never know each other, and that’s okay. We see thousands of meals going out every month completely confidentially. Neighbors Serving Neighbors is fully on display through our neighbors in Hamilton County.
We will never know the stories of most of our neighbors who struggle with food insecurity. We believe it’s not our business unless a neighbor shares their story. In future columns we will share stories from neighbors about how your generosity served then in times of need. Be assured that the face of hunger in Hamilton County is not what you may think.
In practical terms this simple way to help neighbors is having real impact on lives, families, and our communities. Thank you. A few meals can change the course of a person’s life. A can of green beans means so much more when you have nothing to feed your kids. Want to get involved? Go to feedingteam.org right now.
Mark & Lisa Hall are the Founders of Feeding Team. They may be reached at lisa@feedingteam.org and mark@feedingteam.org or by calling (317) 832-1104.