Over the last days and weeks the world seems to suddenly be a very different place. Empty store shelves serve as a testimony to the fear of the unknown as people buy up shocking quantities of both toilet paper and food. The panic-driven shortages have impacted the most vulnerable members of our community-the elderly, the sick, disabled, and low-income families and children.
Bread of Life normally relies on food rescue from our Partners in Hope food donors. These donors are grocery stores and local food establishments who regularly donate edible but excess food that would otherwise be discarded as waste. Bread of Life rescues this food and delivers it into the hands of those who are hungry. The hoarding of food has meant little to no food rescue for those who are hungry or food insecure.
We, at the Bread of Life, were suddenly faced with overwhelming need and no way to meet it. Then something amazing happened-some extraordinary individuals stepped up to rally help, including some spectacular Rye moms and the Rector of Christ’s Church.
A few Rye moms set up drop off boxes on their front porches to collect food items, another group of moms organized food collection shifts and drove to 75 homes to pick up food. The Rector of Christ’s Church sent out an email and video asking for help and set up a collection box for the Bread of Life at the church. Even the Rye City School District began donating perishable food items to the Bread of Life which we are now regularly delivering to low-income seniors and those in need in our community.
With this help, we were able to deliver 130 bags of food to seniors. We also will be able to feed the 140 families who come to our onsite food pantry next week. We at the Bread of Life are so grateful for our new Partners in Hope. We look forward to discovering new ways to overcome future challenges together as a community and to take care of those who are most vulnerable. In these times of uncertainty and fear, we choose hope.
Food donations may be dropped off at 65 Orchard Avenue in Rye. Financial donations may be made via Venmo Bread Life @Bread-of-Life or www.GivingTreeGlobal.org.
THANK YOU. WE COULD NOT DO THIS WITHOUT YOU.
