Thankful neighbors credit God for timing and circumstances

It has been a while since we gave you some updates on local “coincidences” when supply meets need, so I thought we would share a few recent pantry stories from the volunteers.

Meet Jack and Diane (not their real names) but they were, as John Mellencamp sings, “two American kids doing the best that they can.” We first met this couple two months ago at a drive-thru food pick-up. A nice middle-class couple who had come upon some extremely hard times. They found out about food pick-up and pantries on social media.

Their first trip through the line was awkward, as it is with most families in their situation. They do not know how to act. Do I speak? Do I not make eye contact? Is it okay to ask for more chicken instead of fish? Am I supposed to even say thank you?

I noticed them on their first time because they drove a very distinctive, unique compact car. During the second food pick-up, they spoke to us. They are traditional friendly midwestern folks looking for a hand up. Fast forward to the third food pick-up and they jump out of the car and give hugs, no longer intimidated at the prospect of receiving help; their gratitude took over.

Move to last week – the same couple joined us in volunteering serving the 160 families who picked up food. You see, Jack started his new job the following Monday. They report that the timing of finding a food source was absolutely God’s providence.

Your acts of kindness, supporting neighbors in Hamilton County bridged a gap until they were able to get back on their feet.

Meet Abby (also not her real name). Abby had been homeless for four months and had found one of the Feeding Team pantries. We met her at one of our in-office Thursday food pick-ups. She was so thankful for the pantry and would visit it every couple of days to get the food she needed. Besides food, she needed some basic toiletry items.

Abby is telling us this story with tears in her eyes. She prayed to God asking that he send her some toilet paper and later that week she was driving and saw a second yellow pantry; she did not know that there was more than one. She stopped, and when she opened the pantry door, she saw toilet paper and began sobbing out loud. Abby wasn’t worried about who might see her or what they might think. She didn’t care if anyone heard her as she thanked God for the toilet paper.

When Abby talks about Feeding Team and that time in her life, she says, “Feeding Team was my lifeline. It gave me hope that things would get better. I don’t know what I would have done without it.”

Abby now has a job, a home and is working with a financial advisor so she never has to be homeless again.

Meet Ruth (also not her real name). Ruth is on disability and cares for her adult son. Ruth is also a devout animal lover and learned about Feeding Team from videos that feature our mascot Mavis (a high energy 10-month-old Australian Shepherd puppy). Unfortunately, Ruth’s disability income is not enough to make ends meet, so learning about food pantries and pick-ups was an incredible blessing. Ruth started with the drive-thrus and then occasionally the in-office food pick-ups. Now Ruth volunteers to help to distribute food to families that are in need.

These are typical pantry stories that we get to experience regularly. Some people believe that Hamilton County is void of hungry neighbors but telling the stories of our neighbors, who just like these three, struggled and then turned it around. You too can help others. You too can get help if you are in need. Thanks to all our pantry hosts, volunteers, donors, sponsors, and supporters.

About FeedingTeam.org

More than 44,000 people in Hamilton County struggle with food needs. FeedingTeam.org is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit that offers outdoor, no-questions-asked food pantries that are open 24/7, all year long. These pantries help families who may not qualify for other programs but still need a few meals to get by.

We are so thankful for all the volunteers, hosts, donors, and sponsors who help us every day. We love serving our neighbors and seeing how your generosity changes lives. Hunger doesn’t always look the way people think it does, and every meal makes a big difference.

A simple can of food can mean everything to a parent who has nothing left to feed their kids. A few meals can change someone’s life.

If you’d like to help, there are many volunteer opportunities. We are also looking for new spots for future pantries. If you know a good location, please contact us.

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) 832-1123.