By MARK HALL
Guest Columnist
Our neighbors in Hamilton County are amazing. Hundreds of people each month play a part in providing meals to food challenged neighbors. Simple acts of generosity multiplied hundreds of times help provide thousands of no questions asked meals that are available 24/7.
This column intends to inform, encourage, and tell stories of our neighbors who give to and shop from the pantries.
Yellow, honor system “Take What You Need, Give What You Can” food pantries are new to this area, which prompts lots of questions. How does this work? Where did the idea come from? Why do you do it? How can we get involved?
Food charities have been a personal cause since Lisa and I struggled with food insecurity in the 80s. It became our primary business charity in the mid-90s.
Using data from the American Community Survey, we created a county map highlighting areas with income levels slightly above what qualified for public assistance. The data also revealed 27,000 food insecure neighbors in Hamilton County before COVID hit. Recent estimates exceed 50,000 today.
Armed with data, we started knocking on doors asking to place a pantry near challenged population areas. Once locations were secured, several organizations stepped in to help build, paint, and deliver the pantries. Each week volunteers maintain the pantries, pick up food, sort and then stock non-perishable food items. Their service makes thousands of meals available in pantries county wide. It is a simple model powered by a vision to serve neighbors, a business, several donors, and lots of volunteers. Take what you need, simply meaning NO NEIGHBOR need go hungry because food is available. Give what you can, simply meaning when you are able, please help a neighbor by contributing into any of the pantries.
The model was adapted from the small outdoor book libraries that became popular over the last decade. The Feeding Team honor system is fueled with funding from businesses and individuals. It is capped with donations from neighbors who want to help struggling families.
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 them 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? Visit feedingteam.org.
Mark and 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.