Most of us are happy to have 2020 in our rearview mirror, but honestly, many of its challenges, as they relate to hunger, are going to continue to be a part of the narrative for 2021. One good thing about the year-that-shall-not-be-named is that the long-standing issue of hunger in America is now in the national spotlight. Hunger is often highlighted during the holidays, but it’s actually a year-round national crisis. Now that hunger is in the headlines, we must help fill the immediate need, while also creating long-lasting changes.
There isn’t a vaccine for hunger, so it will take us all working together to make this a better year for our food-insecure neighbors. When it comes to fighting hunger, don’t forget that YOU ARE ESSENTIAL.
We can’t be sure of how everything will play out in 2021, but we are certain of a few things:
- Unemployment and underemployment will remain.
- Inequities in food access will still exist.
- We will have to contend with another fire season.
- People will continue to turn to the Food Bank for help.
- The Food Bank WILL be there for our community, just like it has been for the past 45 years.
As we move forward, let’s bring with us the biggest lesson learned last year: we can achieve incredible feats when we work together! You answered our call for help time and time again and it’s this unwavering support that keeps us going.
As opportunities to be a part of the solution present themselves this year, we encourage you to act upon them because there is still a lot left to do.
What do you say? Let’s roll up those sleeves, pull up those bootstraps and get to work!
Joel Sjostrom
President and CEO
Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano
