Commentary by Cindy Hubert
The 4th of July weekend is a time for celebration and a moment of reflection on our blessings and freedoms. We celebrate our nation’s birthday and give thanks to those in our armed forces, past and present. This year, I’m asking you to support our veterans with more than just kind words. I’m asking you to give a veteran hope that they will not go hungry by supporting one of the many Gleaners programs that provide essential meals to those who have served our country.
Gleaners Food Bank delivered more than 1 million pounds of food to Hamilton County in 2014 and has seen an increase in the number of food-insecure people rise year-after-year in what is considered to be one of the most affluent counties in our state. Elderly veterans are part of a growing hunger crisis among our seniors and the thousands of food-insecure people in Hamilton County. You might not be able to see hunger, but it’s always there, in our neighborhoods, our schools, and work places.
Gleaners’ partner agencies like Stilts Spirit – A Giving Tree and Carmel UMC Food Pantry feed veterans of every age and gender. The Gleaners’ Mobile Pantry is a food pantry on wheels that puts food, including fresh produce and meat, directly into the hands of those in need. These programs are vital in our battle against hunger.
While we strive to eliminate hunger, the reality is that there are thousands of food insecure people in Hamilton County every day. It doesn’t take much to fill a bowl with Gleaners Food Bank; for every $1 donated, Gleaners can provide three meals to a hungry veteran. Your donation can help us support those that have already sacrificed so much for our freedom. Honor our vets and visit gleaners.org/give.
Cindy Hubert is president and CEO of Gleaners Food Bank.
