When I retired I chose to volunteer at Loaves & Fishes because of the impact I knew it had in our community. After 25 years of teaching, it was evident to me that poor nutrition and hunger were often obstacles to a child’s success at school. When a 12 year old is hungry, all that matters is getting something to eat. Long division doesn’t stand a chance!
Parents have told me that before they received help at Loaves & Fishes, they often skipped meals so that their kids could eat. Many of them are underemployed or working 2 or more part-time jobs trying to provide for their families. When our clients chose to start families, they were confident they could provide for their children. It only takes one day – a job lost, a cancer diagnosis, a divorce – to turn that world upside down for any of us.
I am so thankful that Loaves & Fishes is ready to provide nutritious meals for local kids. Children really are our future. We need to ask ourselves what kind of world we are making if we let our most vulnerable kids go hungry.
Sincerely,
Linda Bacon, retired teacher, Loaves & Fishes’ volunteer and donor