Indifference, Not Here Ross Johnson

Ross Johnson

Indifference, Not Here

When you have a moment, go to our parish website and listen to Fr. Mike Schmitz’s homily, “The Poison of Indifference.” It is an inspiring homily. A wonderful example of the what we can accomplish with intention.

The Rancho Cordova Food Locker (RCFL) is a great example. RFCL is a hunger relief organization focused on addressing food insecurity in the county. It is part of the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services network. Food comes from the USDA Emergency Food Assistance Program, the American Food Recovery Program, and other food donations. To operate it relies on individual cash donations and grants. Volunteers are critical to do the job of providing three days of healthy nutritious food.

Why mention indifference? Talk to the Board, staff, volunteers and recipients and you hear the following.

“You are connected to like-minded individuals who are engaged to help the hunger insecure to fight a problem that is not going away.”

Sarina, America Corp Member

“People need to be provided not just food but food for which they can prepare healthy meals and feel good about taking care of their families.

Tim, staff member

“This gives me something to do, and I get to share in the enjoyment of helping people get food.” Jin, Long-

time volunteer after 10 years a Senior Gleaner

“We work hard putting together the food baskets with complimentary food to show we care about the recipients“ Pat, 5 year staff member " It takes a lot of work to sort, store and assemble food. We do it to ensure the food is safe, fresh, and meaningful” Linda, volunteer “This program teaches skills, responsibility. We volunteers are proud to be of help.” Jackie,

Volunteer Coordinator for Disabled Group

The food locker happens because we have volunteers who make a difference in people’s lives” Linda,

Staff Supervisor

RCFL success relies on Financial Donors. Most of our donors request anonymity with giving. “Many years ago our family relied on the food locker, today we are in a position to give back. We give to the RCFL because we know they make a real difference for food insecure people.”

"My monthly gift is used locally and I can see the good works and caring of the RCFL for those in need. It lifts my spirit.”

Holiday Food Drives Food Drives from 9-Noon: Nov 6 - Rotary Club - Baby food and diapers Nov 13 - Belka and Hagan Families - Food Drive Nov 20 - Knights of Columbus - Food Drive

Our clients are most appreciative. A common theme we hear, “We are a family of five on low income, and you make a difference,” “Our family of seven includes grandparents, parents, and children. The food locker is a blessing." "We are getting food from those who care and show love.” Recently a client arrived with his son, his car was loaded with food and he was handed a beautiful cake. “Wow, we have a birthday cake” he responded. When asked about his experience with the food locker he said, "With COVID, lack of work, unknown income, and a large family, it was the constant in our life." They know they can count on the food locker to provide food without shame and with love.

There is no indifference at the food locker, for many the RCFL Community is the difference.