Food for Thought: This Holiday, Share Your Blessings

DOUG REYNICS

his sure has been a wild year. We had ongoing challenges with COVID, an overload of political ads, and inflation through the roof. But what about if, in addition to these problems, you also were faced with food insecurity? One out of ten U.S. households, or 13.5 million, T were food insecure at some time during 2021. In Georgia, 1,141,880 people are facing hunger - and 30% of those are children.

I am a persistent food shopper. I shop several times a week in small amounts. I didn’t realize just how expensive food had gotten until I went through a very heavy driving schedule for my airport transport business, and skipped grocery runs for several days. I did one large shop and was shocked at the receipt! I left the store with well over $350 of groceries. I suddenly realized that, for those who are food insecure, how unrealistic doing that kind of shopping would be. I recently drove a customer to the airport, someone who pretentiously exhibited that he could afford the luxuries in life. He expressed frustration at not knowing why there are so many hungry people. I took a breath and tried to explain it in a way I thought he could understand.

No matter how much money you make, you have several expenses in order to live – rent or mortgage, car payments and insurance, health insurance (if lucky), cell phone, just to name some basics. Lastly comes food. By the time you add it up, a person making just $15 an hour really can’t make it. They can live on credit cards, which quickly max out. That’s a lot of stress and causes other issues.

There are countless organizations addressing food insecurity in the U.S., but they all rely on public support, through donations of food or money, or volunteer time. Food banks and related organizations have seen a surge in need that is consistently outpacing their resources. I encourage you to donate food, funds, or time to any of these organizations; check out the listed websites for what foods are needed, how to donate funds, or to sign up to volunteer., The best way to give thanks this holiday season is to help those less fortunate. (There are lots of other organizations addressing food insecurity, so please feel free to research and pick your own.)

Feeding America (feedingamerica.org) is a U.S.- based nonprofit organization with a nationwide network of food banks that feed more than 46 million people through food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and other community-based agencies. Visit its website to learn more about food insecurity in the U.S., or to find a food bank, volunteer, or donate.

NETWorks Cooperative Ministry (networkscoop.org), located at 2380 Fourth Street, Tucker, addresses food insecurity for residents of Northlake, Embry Hills, and Tucker. They also provide other services, including help with rent or mortgage for those facing eviction. I believe strongly in NETWorks and its mission, and serve as a volunteer and fundraiser, in addition to making regular food donations. NETWorks is moving to a new facility at the end of the year, more than doubling its space from 2,000 to 6,500 square feet and increasing the number of people it serves by 40%.

Omega Support Center (omegasupportcenter.org), located at 4213 Fellowship Road, Tucker, is a non-profit focused on community outreach and small business development. The organization holds regular giveaway events, distributing vital items like school supplies, clothing, and food. Visit its website for an event schedule, or to find out how to donate.

I sincerely hope you and yours are safe, warm, and thriving in the holidays and beyond. Celebrate your blessings by sharing with others. Looking forward to seeing you in 2023!

DOUG REYNICS is a longtime Tucker resident and self-described “foodie.” Many know him as “Doug the Driver,” who provides rides to and from both the domestic and international airport terminals. (To date, his service has provided almost 3,000 airport rides!) If you have a food story or question you would like to see him write about (or if you need a ride!), email him at dougthedriver1@gmail.com or call him at 770.842.4261.

Since 1998

MASSAGE ASSOCIATES

OF ATLANTA, LLC

#MT000505

THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE

Pain relief, Stress reduction, Injury rehab Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Therapy Neuromuscular Therapy, Reiki Oncology Massage, Foot Reflexology

Happy Holidays!

WELLNESS CLASSES (Online) YOGA for Every Body Monday & Thursday 11:00am TAI CHI QI GONG For Life Balance Tuesday 1:00pm

5165 Lavista Rd., Tucker, GA 30084 770.493.8181 ~ massageassociates.net