09/16/2011 by Gerry Bristow | Comments (0)
I heard a story yesterday from a woman on her first visit to the food bank that stuck with me. She said that her 6 year old daughter asked her "Aren't we supposed to eat healthy anymore? I want to grow up to be big and strong like you said I should." Her daughter insisted that it wasn't right to skip healthy foods.
You see, she had been laid off, and had to start selecting her family's groceries with cost being the highest priority; which meant no more fresh produce. Before, she had always insisted that her children's plates include vegetables or fruits. But now, even the change jar was empty.
So, she researched online and found out about our emergency food box service. I gave her plenty of fresh produce; like peaches, sweet corn, potatoes, onions, apples, plums and tomatoes. We have a great selection this time of year, thanks to people and farmers donating excess produce from their garden harvest.
She is going to sign up for our Feeding Families program, and will receive food for her family once a week until she gets back on her feet.
I'm glad we were there to help!
08/12/2011 by | Comments (0)
When relating the events of my day at the food bank, my husband asked “Why did she cry AFTER you gave her the food?”
I think we’ve all felt that release of emotion after a stressful situation has come to a conclusion; like when you hear your family has been in a car accident, and later discover they are all OK. I have seen that anxiety on the faces of so many parents this year. They are truly fearful that they will not be able to feed their children. Almost all of our walk-in clients relate stories of being laid off from work, or being unable to get anything but part-time employment. There is no food in the house. When they receive the cart of groceries from the food bank, it is like the weight of the world is lifted off them. They say “You don’t realize what this means to us”. And sometimes, there are tears.
For those of us who have steady jobs, we may take access to food for granted. I wish it was the same for everyone. You may hear the unemployment statistics on the news. We see the effects of it every day right here.
07/07/2011 by Gerry Bristow | Comments (0)
In this period of high unemployment, we are seeing a lot of families who have lost their homes. Those who are fortunate have relatives or friends who are willing to take them in. The two men who came to the food bank today were sharing a home in this way. One was the father of four children and the other had two. Though I am sure the house was cramped, they were working together to keep their families afloat.
I provided them with plenty of healthy food, and referrals to agencies for continued services.
I hope the job market picks up soon!
06/28/2011 by Gerry Bristow | Comments (0)
A young woman came to us today to get an emergency food box, who until yesterday resided in Arkansas.
She was fleeing an abusive husband, and hopped a ride with a friend who was headed for Boulder County. She arrived here with her three children, with nothing but the clothes on their back. Her first priority was to find some food (I was glad we were there to provide it), and then to find some clothes for her kids. Next, finding a job, a place to live, getting a phone, housewares, and all the things that make a home for her children.
Starting over is rough. Fortunately, Boulder County has a good safety net of nonprofit agencies who can help in such situations. When we all stick together & help one another, we can turn tragedy into a new beginning.
06/21/2011 by | Comments (0)
My “real job” is to serve as the Finance Director for CFS, which of course is a necessary function. But the most rewarding part of my job is helping the people who come here looking for an emergency food box.
I’ve witnessed in real people’s lives the toll the recession has taken on this country. I listen to accounts of their struggles. And I think; But for the grace of god, there go I. I’ve heard:
We’ve been eating noodles and butter for three days now. My wife is old school and doesn’t want to accept charity, but the kids need more to eat.
My unemployment ran out. I moved out of state to work, but I couldn’t stand being away from my kids, so I came back. I haven’t been able to find a job yet.
We are completely out of money and trying to scrape up what we can to feed our kids.
This is very difficult for me. I have never been in such a situation, and never been this low.
I’m not one to ask for handouts, but I’m very desperate and lost right now. I don’t know where to go, or what to do next.
I’ve learned first-hand how crucial it is that Community Food Share is here to provide free and plentiful food to these folks. I hear things like:
I’m sleeping on my friend’s couch. At least now I’ll be able to contribute to the house with some food.
God bless you.
Thank You so much!!
AND, as an added perk, I get a lot of “Thank You” hugs. That’s when I realize how much it means to them. I’ve made a difference in someone’s life, at least for today. Life doesn’t get much better than that!
Lastly, I want to convey a sincere thank you to all the food donors, financial donors and volunteers who sustain the food bank, and make it all possible. You Rock!