One of my favorite Bible verses is from Matthew 25:35: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.”
Regardless of our political or religious affiliations, this sentiment is a call to all of us. It’s an invitation to help care for people in our community (and beyond) who need help with daily living.
As the organization Feeding America states: “Hunger touches every community in America.” The problem is bigger than most of us probably realize: 48 million people in the U.S. face food insecurity.
Traditionally, demand for food assistance goes up and down with the economy. During the pandemic, food insecurity became an issue for more people, including those who had never experienced it before. Today, cost of living increases by 2.5%, and wages are still catching up to inflation. Food insecurity is on the rise in this country, affecting 13.7% of families.
These statistics are truly eye-opening. As we look around, we see there are things we can do.
The Problem We Can Help Solve
“This is a problem that everyone can do something about.” These words are from Michael Flood, chief executive of the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, who is featured in my book Your Values-Based Legacy. Through my conversation with Michael, I gained a deeper understanding of food banks and how they work: collecting and distributing food for individuals, seniors, children, and families in need within a specific area. Food banks uniquely bring together people in a community. The connection point is a basic human need: food.
Food banks redistribute resources by collecting surplus from farmers, food companies, and retailers, and then distributing what would otherwise go to waste to those who struggle with food insecurity or poor nutrition. “Most food banks operate in a similar way: there’s surplus food here and hungry people there. You have to find a way to put them together,” Michael said.
There are more than 400 food banks that provide food and services to 63,000 pantries and shelters across the U.S. That number is huge compared to 40 years ago when there were only two dozen food banks in the entire country. Despite this large increase in food aid, however, the level of food insecurity has remained consistent for the last 30 years. This is why food banks remain a crucial part of the solution to hunger in local communities.
Our Circle of Concern
When I think about food banks and food pantries, I am reminded of two key concepts from Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: “circle of concern” and “circle of influence.” Circle of concern is broad, encompassing issues we care deeply about (homelessness, poverty, disease, hunger, war, violence) and the issues that affect us globally (such as climate change).
As ordinary individuals, however, we have little power to change what’s within our circle of concern. Our circle of influence, however, is much smaller and contains many things that we can control. This is where we find small things that can make a big difference.
When we shift from our circle of concern to our circle of influence, we stop being frustrated. We’re no longer wasting our time and energy on what we cannot change; instead, we’re seeking to become more proactive in the places where we can make a difference.
A Call to Reflection and Action
When the problems surrounding us seem so big, it’s time to think small. We may not be able to change the world, but we can improve our corner of it.
Food banks are unique examples that showcase how individual efforts serve a greater good far beyond what one person could reach. It really is that simple: Find a local food bank to contribute to or where you can volunteer. Set up a community pantry to collect canned goods and other staples. When you see a collection bin in your local grocery store or other community site, don’t pass it by. Instead, put something in.
Food is a universal need. When we help provide a meal for others, it brings us all together and helps make the world a better place.
Header photo by Aaron Doucett on Unsplash
