While some are battling this week over the deeper meaning behind red holiday cups, there are many more who are fighting a real war for survival. There are a lot of people in our community who need assistance this holiday season, and while there has been progress made to help individuals and families struggling with hunger here in Palm Beach County, the battle is still being waged, and we have a long way to go before the enemy is defeated.
Food insecurity will be the topic of the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce’s annual Farm City Luncheon on Wednesday, Nov. 18 at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Farm City highlights local agribusiness, since Palm Beach County is one of the largest agriculture counties in the country, but this year’s topic will be Food & Feeding. It aims to raise awareness about Palm Beach County’s staggering hunger problem. Many people are unaware that 57 percent of the Palm Beach County School District’s students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, or that the county has the highest percentage of food-insecure individuals who do not qualify for food stamps or other federal nutrition programs. This year, the keynote address and speakers panel will highlight the generosity of local farmers, who often donate much-needed excess crops to local food shelters throughout the year. Experts will share important information and possible solutions, and the event will also serve as a collection drive to gather donations of non-perishable goods. Visit www.cpbchamber.com for more info.
The first step toward alleviating hunger is to understand the seriousness of the issue, which negatively impacts people from all walks of life. Many hardworking Americans are still recovering from the 2008 financial crisis that wiped out savings and job opportunities. Many of these individuals are part of our communities, and we don’t always know the stress under which they live because they do not advertise their plight. Their day-to-day suffering is hidden in the shadows, invisible to the bulk of society. Many who have experienced loss of income face tough choices between providing food for their families, paying for their utilities, and sometimes even paying the mortgage or rent.
A shocking one out of every seven Americans — more than 48 million people, including 15 million children — rely on food banks to put food on the table, a basic need that directly impacts the ability to be productive at work or school. Families in the western communities are no exception, but there are many ways you can help make Thanksgiving and the rest of the holiday season brighter for families in need.
For example, the Village of Wellington is asking for assistance in making sure that no Wellington resident goes without a good meal on Thanksgiving, through its Hometown Holiday Food Drive. Food, gift cards and monetary donations are being accepted through Wednesday, Nov. 18. “While the perception is that Wellington doesn’t have a need, the reality is, we do,” Senior Services Specialist Meridith Tuckwood said.
Residents are asked to contribute instant mashed potatoes, packaged stuffing mix, cornbread mix, cranberry sauce, turkey gravy and canned vegetables. Food can be dropped off at the Wellington’s Community Services Office, the PBSO’s District 8 Substation, the Wellington Municipal Complex, Wellington’s Parks & Recreation Office at Village Park, Ultima Fitness in the Wellington Plaza and the Lake Wellington Professional Centre. Other parts of the meal will be provided through sponsors.
This is, of course, not the only place to donate food this Thanksgiving season. Most schools are collecting, some in conjunction with WPTV’s annual Bill Brooks’ Food For Families Drive. Churches are always lending a hand as well. Also, Royal Palm Covenant Church operates a food pantry all year round, and the church is always looking for food and monetary donations — especially this time of year. Visit www.rpcchurch.com or call (561) 793-1077 to help out.
The fourth Thursday in November is a day when people gather in good fellowship to enjoy each other’s company. Thanksgiving celebrates the touchstones of traditional life: family, hearth and faith. But the key part of Thanksgiving is in its name: “giving.” We encourage you to reach out to help those less fortunate, because in a day and age where there’s always something to argue about, this is something we can all agree on.
