BEFORE YOU SIT DOWN THIS HOLIDAY SEASON...
Take a moment to reflect on all that you have to be thankful for. At Heal4Her, we realized this holiday season that we do not do this enough. One meal a year just isn't cutting it. If you're anything like us, it is quite easy to focus on the negative... but we promise, that work deadline will get met, your children will (eventually) stop fighting and that one family member (we all have one!) that gets under your skin will, in time, leave.
The holiday season is a great time to show appreciation for all that you are thankful for by giving to others. Give your time, your love, your support to those who need it most. Show gratitude to your fellow community members. This year, I decided to finally act accordingly on my own advice.
This Thanksgiving, Heal4Her took a short trip over to New York where Power to the Patients, Fat Joe and several volunteers handed out turkeys and canned goods to community members of the Bronx. The energy in the room was palpable as smiling face after smiling face collected their bags of provisions. The Bronx is only one of countless communities where members struggle with food insecurities. A staggering 10.2% of U.S. households were food insecure at sometime during 2021 (USDA, Economic Research Service). Under these adverse circumstances, normal eating patterns of one or more household member is disrupted as food intake is reduced due to insufficient money, food or other resources.
THE IMPACT OF COSTLY HEALTHCARE WITHIN COMMUNITIES
There is a direct correlation between the two as "food insecurity is associated with numerous chronic health conditions, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary heart disease, chronic kidney disease, and depression" (Berkowitz). The connection has been made and now is the time make changes. Bringing awareness to the issue is one step in the right direction... it is now time to act. If you are one of many this year who are able to sit and enjoy a bountiful Thanksgiving dinner surrounded by family and friends, please consider those who are less fortunate. There are countless ways in which you can make a positive impact within your surrounding communities.
Helping the Community: Ways to Get Involved:
Organize or volunteer at a food drive
Volunteer at your local food bank
Sponsor a family
Donate food and supplies •Volunteer with a mutual aid group
Write a lawmaker
Contact local farms, stores and restaurants about food rescue programs
Комментарии