In this month of Thanksgiving and table fellowship, many people struggle to buy groceries while government cutbacks to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP) have limited food aid to low-income citizens and their families.  As happens more than we want, while political partisans point fingers and blame those in rival camps, people of goodwill step up to assist local churches, community centers, and other social agencies to help those in difficult or dire situations.  As weather turns colder each year, the need increases—and you always respond.  This year, with empty shelves in food pantries across the metropolitan area and nation, we graciously welcome any contributions you can offer.

The three parishes that I serve can accept food donations Monday through Friday on site during daylight hours and, of course, anyone can bring groceries to Sunday Masses.  If you live in south Kansas City, for convenience, you’re welcome to drop food or other supplies in the garage at my spirituality center, 301 East Santa Fe Trail.  Though any donation is welcome, the websites and bulletins of Saint Francis Xavier, Saint Therese Little Flower, and Saint James list items of greatest need.  Saint James (39^th and Troost) works in conjunction with The Bishop Sullivan Center that is located on the same block and provides meals each day for the hungry.  They, along with Little Flower (58^th and Euclid), can receive fresh food because they provide on-site meals.  They, along with Saint Francis Xavier (52^nd and Troost) have limited refrigeration but can receive meat in addition to canned foods and other shelf items.

Medical students at UMKC are, at the same time, conducting a hygiene drive to assist students and neighbors from midtown to Avila University.  The items they need are soap, dental hygiene products, shampoo, feminine hygiene products, deodorant, and winter clothing.  Collection bins are set up till November 13 at the Oak Street Hall School of Medicine and at SFX (Francis Xavier), or you can drop them off in my garage.  Across the street from SFX is a newly opened Catholic Charities office as well as the Alvin Brooks Center; both are partners in outreach to assist students and neighbors.

Also, near Saint James and Bishop Sullivan Center is Community LINC that has a small food pantry for residents in transitional living.  And located on the corner is the busiest bus stop in Kansas City where we offer a bus ministry.  As well as providing water or coffee, the ministry provides hats, socks, gloves, coats, scarves, and other winter clothing to those who wait there; if you are interested in assisting with this effort, call Saint James or I can connect you with those coordinating the services.  And there is our Thrift Shop (Troost-39) that will take any household items or clothing you no longer use—they are often fabulous holiday gifts for urban residents.

In addition, I will note that if you are willing to dive deeper into hunger issues in Kansas City, we work with Nourish KC and others that could help you become a food rescuer, i.e., one who goes to grocery marts in your area like Sprouts, Wholesale Foods, Aldi, etc., to retrieve overstocked items that would otherwise get tossed out and redistribute them to kitchens and pantries that will use them or get them to hungry citizens.  If you listen to my latest podcast with Shanita McAfee Bryant and Mary Orndoff about food insecurity and nutrition education in Kansas City (see Farnan Spirituality Center website), you will discover other avenues to assist as well.  Even if you have a bad habit of over-shopping, your obsession can be transformed into a great gift to our city by sharing your purchases.

This is a lot to absorb—and none of us, alone, can solve such a huge problem as hunger—but, together, by each doing a small part, we can make a big difference.  You’ve done it in the past, and we’ve gotten through difficult times.  I think various agencies are getting better at working together in KC for the common good and caring for our sisters and brothers in need.  Thank you!  In this season of gratitude and table nourishment, you are saving lives through your humble and inspiring works.