The Womens Conference

The Women's Conference Million Meals Initiative

12/9/09 | Sue Sigler | 0 Comments

The past 18 months have been difficult for many people in America.  Lost jobs, lost homes, and a daily struggle for enough food are the reality for many.  According to the USDA’s latest figures, as of July 2008, 14.6% of Americans have difficulty affording adequate food, and of those, 5.7% regularly go hungry.  And in California, for example, the figures are over 12% without adequate food and over 4% going hungry.  We know that number has been climbing ever since, and today, California food banks regularly serve over 5 million people in need of food every month.

As head of the California Association of Food Banks, I see the challenges that food banks face in responding to the skyrocketing numbers of those in need, but my heart is also warmed on a regular basis by those who have looked into their hearts and offered whatever help they can, so that their neighbors will not go hungry.

As a first line of defense, food banks have been stretched, seeing an increase of 30-50% in demand for their services.  Every food bank in the state can tell a story of someone who was formerly a donor, volunteer, or supporter, who now needs to turn to a food bank for assistance.

Two weeks ago, I had one of those experiences that remind me how much people care and how much they are willing to do to help, when I learned about the Million Meals Initiative through The Women’s Conference.  Thanks to the support of conference attendees, the Board, and California’s First Lady, Maria Shriver, the Board of The Women’s Conference let me know that the conference would support food banks statewide in providing 1 million meals to hungry Californians.  These meals will mean so much to so many, and will help food banks continue to meet their mission of ensuring adequate food in their communities.  I believe the words of a homeowner, former IT Manager and food bank client reflect exactly what the Million Meals Initiative is achieving.  He said:

“I’ve done everything in my life to assure that I didn’t wind up where I am now. But here I am. I’ve learned that we’re all just a breath away from seeing it slip away. You have to swallow a lot of pride the first time you walk into a soup kitchen; that was one of the hardest days of my life. But once I got past ego, I saw that there were a lot of people that, through no fault of their own, were in the same boat as me. And there were a lot of very compassionate people…that made this period in my life so…uplifting. It sounds funny to say that, but I’ve been inspired to inspire others.”

We now know that economic recovery is in sight, but many people will continue to need help for numerous months to come.  If you or someone you know would like to support food banks, please visit www.cafoodbanks.org and click on the interactive map to find the food bank that serves your community.  Your neighbors will be grateful, and we can all continue to work toward CAFB’s goal of creating a well-nourished California.  For those of you who live outside of California, you can visit feedingamerica.org

It’s one of the most important ways you can give back this holiday season – and all year long.

Sue Sigler is the executive director of California Association of Food Banks.

For more ways to contribute to your community, read 10 Ways to Give Back This Season

For more about The Women's Conference We Connect program, which is driving this initiative, visit www.weconnect.net