Hard Times = People Turning to the Food Bank / Pantries

Since I began my employment here at Feeding America, Kentucky's Heartland in August 2008, I have been transformed in my thinking.  I would be stretching the truth a bit if I said that I never thought previously that the majority of the people who visited food banks and pantries were 'users and abusers' of the system.  'Why aren't they working?'  'They probably get a handout from the government already.'  Today, I must admit my previous mindset was that of ignorance.

I soon discovered after meeting the individuals on the other end of the receiving line that the true client stories are vast and troubling. 

MEET JERRY
Let me introduce you to one of our clients, we will call him Jerry.  Upon his arrival to the food distribution site, Jerry explained to me that this was his first time ever coming to something like this.  I asked Jerry if he would be willing to talk to me a bit about his situation at home, as this information does help me in grants and sharing with the public about the need at hand.  Jerry agreed.

I asked Jerry to explain what brought him to the food distribution site, to explain to me his life in a nutshell.  Jerry went on to tell me that he was terminated from a local factory after exceeding his Family Medical Leave for numerous hernia surgeries accompanied with many complications.  He soon found that making ends meet for he and his family was impossible.  He not only found himself with a mounting stack of electric, water and medical bills, but without the means to provide food for his family.  A concerned family member shared with Jerry about the monthly distributions being conducted by Feeding America, Kentucky's Heartland, North Hardin Hope and Helping Hand.  He was encouraged to seek help from such organizations.  Thankfully, he did just that.

Many individuals find themselves in situations just like Jerry.  Unexpected circumstances cause their world to be turned upside, leaving many without hope.  However, there IS hope!  Feeding America, Kentucky's Heartland food bank is determined to get food in the hands of those individuals, families and seniors who need it. 

Would you consider helping feed someone in need?  Please visit our website at http://www.feedingamericaky.org/ and click on donate now to make a difference in the life of somelike like Jerry.  You can never go wrong in helping someone in need.

-Tami Delaney, FAKH Development Director