Food Pantry Blessings

This is a city of contrasts. It includes a large number of both the very rich and the very poor.

The very rich can find and buy almost anything they might want here.

The very poor are not totally neglected.

We have an abundance of food pantries. Almost anyone in need can qualify for at least one or two of them on a regular basis.

In my case, even though I have financial difficulties, I’m technically over the income limit (go figure) for some of them.

Others, however, do not even ask about income. They are based on things such as age, disabilities, location (certain zip codes). They are sponsored by a wide range - churches, charities, and more.

Anyhow, I do qualify for at least two of them. Once a month I visit each one. Some cover very basic needs: cold cereal, bottled juices, powdered or shelf-friendly boxes of milk, canned goods, grains or pasta, and so on. Others will often supply meats and produce. Because of these blessings, I am blessed to have the fixings for lots of made-from-scratch meals.

This morning, I had to visit one of those. Usually you are assigned days or weeks for your visit. It is worth the time to do this. I have no idea how I’d be dealing with trying to buy every little thing, even if just the barest of necessities, without them.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the manna you have placed on my path. I know that I, like those in the Bible, sometimes seem bored with my available choices. But thanks to your grace, I can always pray for guidance for meals to make. I am blessed indeed.