The Food Bank: A Life Lesson



Over the weekend, my husband mentioned that our church was "up" for serving with our local food bank.  We were to help "Fresh Express" distribute fresh items like fruit, veggies, dairy products, eggs, etc. 

If it were just me, I'd jump at the chance to join my husband.  However, I knew I'd have the three kids with me and I had this to consider. 

Would they be helpful, or would they be in the way?  

Would they follow instructions, or would they complain that they had to be there?


Taking the gamble, I made arrangements to meet my hubby at the distribution center with our brood. 


Thankfully, the location was a church that had an outdoor playground.  Score! 

While we unboxed and laid out the groceries, the kids played joyfully at the playground with some of the kids who were there to pick up food.  They had a grand time (so far, so good).

When it was time to begin distribution, my husband went and retrieved the kids.  We showed them which items we had been assigned and told them what their "jobs" were.  My girls (ages 5 and 8) seemed ready and willing, but our 4-year-old boy took some convincing.  Almost everything he is told to do is met with "no" or "I'm tired" or "I don't want to." 

Yes - all three responses were used before the people reached our section of the table.  In the whiniest voice possible.  Complete with slumpy not-gonna-do-it posture.  Plus "I'm thirsty" and "I just want to play."  Frowny lip out.  Arms crossed.

I had a bad feeling about this.

However, once he saw that it was a "job" just for him, he really took hold of the idea.  "How many tick-ets do YOU have?"  He would ask each customer as they brought their baskets to our area.  He would enthusiastically hoist the package of strawberries up in the air - upside down or sideways most of the time. 

Thankfully, they stayed sealed so we lost no strawberries.  I arranged my two youngest to give out strawberries side by side.  I had to make sure each one had equal amounts of strawberries so it was "fair," but they joyfully handed out the packages.  Even my shy 5-year-old loved running her "strawberry store."  Once they realized we had to restock our produce, they had fun going to the pallets and filling up their little boxes. 

Our 8-year-old stood next to my husband and helped distribute toilet paper.  Not a glamorous job, but if you're running your own "store," it doesn't matter what you're selling.  It's just fun!  My hubby handed out sleeves of paper cups and offered a box of random clothing to whomever could use the clothes.

People came with boxes and totes, laundry baskets and coolers.  We filled their boxes to the brim and overflowing.  We hocked broccoli, offered yogurt, and handed out eggs. Piled up granola bars, gave out squash and doled out bags of fresh green apples.

We had begun with a semi-truck trailer full of groceries.  They were stacked 5 or 6 feet high on full pallets between two sets of long tables, already filled with food.

When we finished, there was hardly a box or bag left.  It had all been taken by these people who desperately needed food.  In passing, I heard one of the women comment that she was glad there was toilet paper today, because, if she didn't remember to save a little money for toilet paper...I surmised the sentence would've ended with, "we have to go without."  

I can't imagine having to go without toilet paper! Such a simple thing, a basic need.  But it's not a given.  Neither are fresh fruits and vegetables or a gallon of milk.

As we worked to pack up the empty boxes, I sent the kids to play at the playground.  They had worked hard and cheerfully for 2 hours!   My momma heart was so full - I hope times like this plant a seed in my kids' hearts.  One that helps them to be thankful for what they have, and to remember to help others in need when they can.


I am changed, and I think our kids are, too.
"In all the work you are doing, work the best you can. 
Work as if you were doing it for the Lord, not for people."

Colossians 3:23  New Century Version (NCV)



 

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