Hunger in the suburbs.

Often we think of the suburbs as the escape from many of the problems found in the city. It sounds great, but no matter where you turn, you will find the less fortunate among the very fortunate.

In Glen Ellyn we have the “Food Pantry” located right near the train station.  What I am not surprised to learn are the number of people who have visited the pantry during this prolonged recession. Yes I realize the recession has been declared behind us, but tell that to the hungry families who have to make a choice between food and heat this time of the year. It's a very tough call they have to make.

I learned that the Food Pantry makes appointments with their clients;  you will find families and homeless people looking for help, because they are in a situation they didn’t ask for, but have been dealt with. It cannot be fun to be in this situation, but thankfully there are people who care and understand that donations are the lifeblood of this organization. Whether it’s canned goods or monetary donations, I am reasonably sure this is the worst we have seen it in many decades.

As we prepare for a blizzard that’s supposed to be here in the next 48 hours, I realize how fortunate we are to have a roof over our head, heat in our homes, and a relatively full refrigerator. With all of the children in our home, it is not long for a full refrigerator or pantry to become less than full. Throw in some friends and the food goes even faster. But we are lucky---after these particularly hard times, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

For those who have not seen the light yet, please make sure to not forget them---I am making a personal promise to visit the Food Pantry and give. I cannot imagine the challenges of not having enough food for my family or a warm spot to call home.

We do have hunger in the suburbs;  all we can hope is one day it will not be part of our society, but for now remember those who need us more than ever. It could be a neighbor or someone you don’t know---but I promise, when you give,  you will find any emptiness you have felt  filled up with knowing you have helped someone who is truly in need.

Thanks for stopping by.