By MARK HALL
The Feeding Team Feature
This month’s column is about a neighbor we met in June of 2020.
This was a first for us: As we approached one of the pantries, we could see a neighbor on his bike getting food. We have seen neighbors getting groceries at night when we happen to pass near a pantry, but this was different. Here was a man on his bicycle, in the daytime, clearly down on his luck taking what he needed. Prior to today, we had never spoken directly with anyone who was shopping in a pantry. Neighbors often leave a note which is encouraging, but a live conversation while they are getting food? Never. This was a first.
This encounter was clearly divinely orchestrated as I will try to articulate. We will call him “Jimmy” (not his name) and we did not take his picture to keep his identity private. Jimmy was decked out in old jeans and a T-shirt. His blue and orange Cleveland ball cap covered some unruly and dirty hair. His face was smudged, weathered and leathery tanned. Jimmy appeared to be about 40 years young as he explained that he goes to addiction recovery classes in the morning, looks for ways to make money afterwards and sometimes crashes with his brother to take a shower. Most nights, Jimmy lives on the streets of Noblesville.
Jimmy was bright and articulate as he introduced himself, thanked the community for the pantry and asked for something to drink. He complained that he hadn’t been able to find anything to drink all morning (this was around 12:30 and the temps were already around 88). Jimmy slammed a half bottle of Gatorade, being careful to save the other half for tonight. He took a can of soup with the pop top lid and planned to have that for lunch. Jimmy had not had many meals lately and was so grateful to have a food source. After visiting for a few minutes as we loaded the pantry, we convinced him that it is OK to take some more food and feel free to come back anytime he or his brother were hungry. He left with a couple of cans of Beefaroni, a box of protein bars and a second Gatorade.
Jimmy and the thousands of other food-challenged neighbors in Hamilton County are why we do this. Many friends have asked, “Why do this, what’s in it for you?” The answer is always the same: Serving neighbors locally feeds my soul. It is a calling, not work.
There were many suppers when we as a young couple with young kids could only afford Dinty Moore Beef Stew and a potato for dinner. Surreal moment. This is why the pantries exist. As a typical young family, we could not always make ends meet. Jimmy, down on his luck, needs food, too.
This is why feedingteam.org exists – all starting from a can of beef stew. Thank you for embracing the pantries. We love serving with you.
In future columns we will share more 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? Go to 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.