It is hard to believe in a country as wealthy as ours that people go hungry. But they do. We’re not talking about a skipped meal here and there, but for many, the daily struggle of not having enough healthy food for themselves and perhaps their family.
Of course, this situation is compounded by COVID-19, which has meant a loss of income for many people, and for the nonprofits that support them, canceled fundraisers and food drives.
That is the case for the annual Fill the Belly Bus, which has collected as much as 6,000 pounds of food and $4,000 in a year.
During the past 16 years, the drive has collected 25 tons of food, which was shared among four local food pantries and meal programs: Community Action’s Center for Self-Reliance food pantry, Franklin County Community Meals Program, Stone Soup Café and Franklin Area Survival Center.
Previously, people would bring their donations to buses that stopped at various sites through the county. But that’s not possible given the safety precautions needed during this pandemic.
So, the Franklin County Hunger Task Force decided to take a different approach by dedicating an entire week, Sept. 20 to 26, to educate people about the origins of what is called food insecurity and what those who are able can do to help.
Each day was assigned a different topic, from “What is the story of hunger? How we can change that story?” on the first day to “Ending hunger together: What’s your personal plan of action?” on the last.
The Recorder published those listings, which contained ways to take action, plus online workshops, videos and events.
Here are some startling statistics from the task force: 9,650 people in Franklin County can be categorized as food-insecure — a 53 percent increase since the start of the pandemic. One in five children — a total of 2,480 — fit that category.
For these people, getting enough food is such an ordeal that it eclipses the desire to work and for children, to do one’s best in school.
One bright spot during this pandemic has been the local food programs and pantries that have been providing support to those in need, including children who would normally get free meals at school, elders, the homeless, anyone really. As an example, Greenfield Public Schools have served 202,868 meals to children age 18 and younger since the pandemic began.
New Englanders have the unfair rep that they are a cold lot, but time and again when there is need, the current pandemic included, people are there to offer support.
But during this time, those food programs and pantries that provide that support day in and day out could use some help.
As Mary McClintock, community collaboration coordinator for Community Action and co-chair of the Franklin County Hunger Task Force, said, “Pick one, pick several. Donate, volunteer.”
And if you have the money to spare, donations can be made online at communityaction.us or checks can be made out to “Community Action Pioneer Valley.” Mail to Franklin County Hunger Action Week, Community Action, 393 Main St., Greenfield, MA 01301.