November always makes me pause. On one hand, we’re wearing poppies, attending ceremonies, and remembering the service of our veterans. On the other, it’s also the time of year when food banks are gearing up for their busiest season. And here’s the thing: those two realities are connected, because many veterans rely on food banks to get by.
It’s not always something people talk about openly, but food
insecurity is a real issue for too many veterans. After years of service, some
struggle with health challenges, others live on fixed incomes, and others just
find that the rising cost of living makes it nearly impossible to keep the
cupboards full. And while veterans are proud people, hunger is not something
you can “tough out” forever. That’s where the food bank steps in.
I once met a veteran at a food bank who told me, “When I
signed up, they said I’d see the world. Turns out I mostly saw the inside of
airports and supply tents.” He laughed, but then added softly, “Nobody told me
that one day I’d see the inside of a food bank.”
There’s a mix of pride, humor, and hard truth in that.
Veterans are used to carrying the heavy loads, but asking for help can be
tougher than boot camp. The food bank offers that help with dignity and
compassion — no lectures, no questions, just a warm welcome and a bag of food.
And sometimes even a little laughter. A volunteer once
joked, “This is the only grocery store in town where nobody complains about the
prices.” Another veteran picked up a bag of instant mashed potatoes and
grinned: “After eating MREs in the army, this stuff tastes gourmet.”
Food banks may deal with serious needs, but they’re also
places where kindness and humor help lighten the load.
Hunger doesn’t wear a uniform, but veterans once did.
Imagine standing in a food bank line next to someone who once stood guard for
your freedom, someone who made sacrifices that most of us will never fully
understand. It’s a powerful reminder that supporting food banks isn’t just
charity, it’s a way of honoring service.
And here’s a little secret most people don’t know as good as
it feels to drop off a bag of groceries, food banks can stretch a cash
donation even further. Where I might spend $20 on a couple bags of canned
goods, the food bank can turn that same $20 into hundreds of dollars’ worth of
food, thanks to their partnerships with wholesalers and farms. They know how to
make every dollar count. So ,if you can, consider adding a cash gift to your
holiday giving. It multiplies your impact.
If you’re wondering what you can do, here are a few simple
ideas:
- Bring
food donations. Staples like pasta, rice, soups, and canned vegetables
are always welcome.
- Give
money. Remember, your $20 bill in their hands does more than $20 in
your shopping cart.
- Volunteer.
Sorting, packing, or handing out food takes people power, and the food
bank is always glad for an extra set of hands.
A veteran once told me, “In the service, we looked out for
each other. Nobody went hungry if someone else had a ration to share.” That
same spirit of solidarity is what food banks are built on today.
So, this November, while we honor the courage and sacrifice
of our veterans, let’s carry that gratitude a step further. Let’s look out for
them the way they once looked out for us.
👉 Check in with your local
food bank this week. Drop off a bag of groceries. Make a cash donation
online. Or sign up for a volunteer shift. Whatever you give, big or small,
makes a real difference.
Because hunger is a battle no one should have to fight alone, especially not the people who’ve already fought for us.
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