Why August?

August is a difficult time for many of the guests that visit the Queens Galley soup kitchen and other emergency resources for food in our country. No State or city is immune to food insecurity. Households that experience high levels of food insecurity also commonly deal with health issues that are diet related (diabetes, obesity, hypertension), these households deal with drug or alcohol addictions, anger management, depression, suicide and marital dysfunction ;no surprise when you think about increased stress financially and the physical issues that come with hunger.

Kids in food insecure households are dealing with added social issues, stigma associated with poverty, pressure from peers. Hungry kids are unable to focus on school. Lower test scores can also lead to feelings of inadequacy and depression; higher instances of alcohol or drug use. More absenteeism is found in food insecure households due to health related issues that can directly be attributed to diet.

Our school systems offer breakfast and lunch programs, either free or at a reduced rate (often as low as 25 cents per meal). During the school year this serves as a critical source of nutrition for our kids and a welcomed relief for the families struggling to make ends meet. Unfortunately during summer break, winter break or when schools are closed due to extended snow days the impact on food insecure households is severe.
August is the point at which the need is greatest and the resources strained for families on food stamps. The allocation average of about a dollar per person per meal is stretched to capacity and the added burden of having to secure supplies for the September back to school week can be devastating. Many parents have run out of food stamps long before August ends and funds for food compete with the need for new shoes, sneakers, back packs, pens and pencils.
Many people think of soup kitchens in November. The holidays bring out the best in our communities and often not for profits will secure the lion’s share of their donations for the year in the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year ’s Eve. The truth is that while we love to have your support at any time of the year, in August the need is more severe than it is at Thanksgiving. Think about it for a moment. On Thanksgiving there are many options for a meal. Churches, civic organizations and community recreation groups often hold holiday meal gatherings that are free to the public in need. Even families that don’t like each other will gather on Thanksgiving (explaining and increase in domestic violence calls that week every year). Many people will want to volunteer on Thanksgiving. We suggest that for volunteers who would otherwise be alone to certainly come join us but for those volunteers that have been inspired because of the season we ask them to consider coming in not when the snow falls but when the beach umbrellas are open!
I would encourage anyone thinking about volunteerism to consider the summer months as well as the winter holiday season. After all, a gift of compassion is valued no matter what time of year it is given.