Another one of Councilman Gebhart’s own letters to the editor — written around Thanksgiving, connecting a Scouting America food drive to a conversation he had with the incoming CEO of the RI Community Food Bank, and encouraging residents to volunteer directly with Westbay Community Action, Warwick’s local food pantry.
To the Editor:
With this month’s news cycles focused on gridlock in Washington, the government shutdown and the delay of SNAP benefits, it can be hard to reconcile living in a country that has so much when the most fragile of us have so little. Thanksgiving gives us all the opportunity to pause, reflect and show gratitude for what we have, but it’s also a stark reminder of how fortunate we are while many in our community face difficult choices between clothes and food, rent and heat.
I was so proud to read last week’s Beacon article “Gratitude by the ton” highlighting the incredible effort by Scouting America to collect more than 21,000 pounds of food for local food pantries. The Scouts and their parents are leading by example and delivering critical resources at a time when they’re sorely needed.
Just a week ago, I met Melissa Cherney, the incoming CEO of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. The timing of her arrival from North Dakota couldn’t have been more critical, as she steps in to lead the organization through the delay of $29 million in SNAP funds. When I asked Melissa what our community could do to have the greatest impact, I expected her to mention donations of food or funds. Instead, her advice was simple and powerful: “Contact your local food pantry; they will tell you what their most pressing needs are.”
So I did just that. I contacted Westbay Community Action, our local food pantry. After a brief hold, I spoke with Forrest, who was overwhelmed by the Boy Scouts’ recent delivery. “Sorting and organizing,” he said. “That’s what we need most right now.” Interested volunteers are asked to call Westbay at (401) 732-4660 to set up time during open hours — Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Tuesday and Friday 10 to 3.
I plan to head down this week to lend a hand where it’s needed most, and I encourage you to do the same. Together, we can help dull the pangs of hunger in our community and ensure our neighbors and their children have the nourishment they need. And since the thermometer is starting to dip, consider bringing along a hat or pair of gloves — they’re among the most requested items as winter sets in.
— Vinny Gebhart, Councilman, Ward 9, Warwick
Source: Warwick Beacon