Families need your gifts to food pantries

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Have you noticed an increase in the price of groceries? The food pantries across the Davenport Diocese have. We participate in meetings with various agencies that serve “the least of these.” At many different meetings, as boards meet to distribute funds, we are hearing the same thing. The price of groceries is seriously cutting into the number of families that the organizations can help.

This comes at a time when the pantries are seeing unprecedented numbers of people needing a little assistance, but also many more new families. It is so common to hear food pantry representatives say they are seeing families who were once good donors who are embarrassed to say that they, too, now need help.

Unemployment, too often from jobs that just yesterday seemed secure, is a significant contributor. Also, medical bills that hit the underinsured or the uninsured are big contributors to the increase in need as the cost of medical care continues to rise. (Loss of employment often results in loss of health benefits, and many individuals work jobs without benefits).

Most of us are also tightening our fiscal belts, but when we give thanks for what we have (and if we think about it, we have a lot) consider making an extra effort to support the food pantry in your area. Donations of food are good, but donations of cash are particularly welcome because food pantries must often buy a good deal of the food they distribute, particularly milk and any fresh produce or meat. Cash also helps to pay for operating expenses, and items such as cleaning supplies that are not often donated.

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As we give thanks, make an offering to your food pantry, knowing that act of thanks will be an immediate blessing to others.

Glenn Leach

Social Action and Immigration Team

Diocese of Davenport


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