Shopping For Joy!

Food is my love language. Perhaps you know someone like me. I love to offer food, cook delicious meals for my family, and try out new recipes to share with others. I also love to get food! Nothing makes me feel more loved and appreciated than having a meal made for me.

A few years ago my family and I were going through a strained time financially. We had moved to Michigan to start a new business, but the doors hadn’t opened yet. We were living off basic necessities. It was hard, particularly at dinner time. I felt like I was unable to express the love I had for my family because I was so limited in the groceries I was able to give. We were surviving, but I’ll be honest, there was some joy missing in my life every time I prepared a meal.

One day a neighbor let me know they had some extra food and they wondered if I would like it. The answer, of course, was yes! (Remember, food is my love language). I picked up the box and when I got home I opened it. I will never forget that moment. The box was filled with special items: cheeses that were too expensive for me to buy, pretzel rolls, not just hamburger buns (a personal favorite of mine,) special greens like arugula. I started to cry.

Sometimes joy is so real you can taste it.

This experience has informed much of my work at Hope Clinic in Ypsilanti Michigan. For many of the clients that we serve in our food pantry, food has become utilitarian. The simple calculation is how many calories they can get for the cheapest price. One of my goals is to make the pantry experience the opposite of that. I hope that when a client comes through they are overwhelmed by the quality and variety of foods they can take home.

You can help make this a reality for those in need in your community.

Action for Today – Plan a Pantry Shopping Trip!

This is a great event for a family or a small group to do together. Get some people together, pick a grocery store, and go shopping! Pick your favorite items, chances are someone else will like them too. Food pantries appreciate donations all year round, but especially during the summer when food drives tend to drop off.

Make a shopping list
Most pantries accept all nonperishable, non-expired food, but here are some ideas to get you started:
Healthy options such as whole wheat, low sodium, and organic foods Name brands to help show dignity and give options
Peanut and other nut butters Canned tuna and chicken Your favorite breakfast cereal Spices
Non-food groceries like toiletries and cleaning supplies which are not eligible for food stamps (everyone needs toilet paper, dish soap, shaving kits, etc).
Your favorite granola or energy bars

Drop it off at your local food pantry
Make this part of your weekly shopping – buy something extra for the local pantry favorite item