For many years, a growing group of individuals have provided consistent support to those who are food-insecure. These dedicated donors are members of Stock the Shelves Club at Merrimack Valley Food Bank (MVFB).
The Stock the Shelves Club has 94 members across four different states. They each make monetary donations weekly, monthly, or quarterly. Because of this generosity, more than 67 thousand meals were supplied last year.
Mike Bowen, resident of Chelmsford, shared his experience as a recurring donor. With four years of donations, Bowen and his wife, Lisa, have helped feed numerous local families in need. “It’s one of the easiest necessities to give somebody that can make a major impact,” he said.
It was in 2020 when the married couple began annually donating to MVFB for the holiday season. But after touring the new facility this summer, they were surprised by the amount of food received in merely one day. Together, they made the decision to become monthly donors. “It was eye-opening,” recalled Bowen, “the level of need in our area.”
Food insecurity is quite common, affecting 47 million Americans annually. And while there is plenty of food production, it lacks accessibility. Whether this is due to cost or location, far too many individuals do not have enough to eat on a daily basis—let alone meet their nutritional needs. “Every day, there are people in our community who don’t know how they are going to provide a meal for their families,” shares Kelly Proulx, Director of Communications and Public Relations. “Knowing we can rely on our Stock the Shelves members gives us confidence that we will be able to continue meeting the needs of our neighbors.”
Children and elders are particularly at risk for food insecurity; therefore, MVFB has direct hunger relief programs for both age groups. Of the two, Bowen finds Operation Nourish to be especially admirable, “how [volunteers] put together all the food for the kids, and they get to take it home with them.” Operation Nourish was designed to feed children over the weekend when they are not receiving school meals. Donations from Stock the Shelves members, such as the Bowens, allow MVFB to purchase a variety of nutritious food for children from low-income families. This is in addition to individuals who are homebound, have disabilities, or simply need a hand. Life is unpredictable, and that is why organizations like MVFB exist.
Regardless, there are several misconceptions about those who require such assistance—Bowen does not believe in any of it. “They’re not lazy. They’re struggling, and they’re trying. And if we help take care of some of their problems, it allows them to better themselves,” he said. “If they can be fed, they can do so much more.”
According to Feeding America, food insecurity is linked to a number of chronic diseases, forcing people to choose between their own health, housing, or utilities. This difficult decision contributes to the vicious cycle of poverty that affects so many lives. Not to mention the toll it takes on one’s mental wellbeing; both depression and anxiety are common among those who are food-insecure. It is important to remember that food nourishes our minds just as much as our bodies. And without it, we cannot reach our full potential.
All together, members of Stock the Shelves are helping fight food insecurity in Greater Lowell. By making a recurring donation, you too can be part of this community of committed individuals who are making a lasting difference.
“You’re never going to realize that the money isn’t there. I’m donating at a level I can afford, and it doesn’t impact my bills or the way that I live. But I know that it greatly impacts other people.”
Learn more or make a donation at www.mvfb.org.
