What our neighbors are teaching us about food insecurity—and how we can help
By Angie Matthiessen, Chief Executive Officer
Sometimes, it takes getting closer to a problem to truly understand it.
As we begin our work at Peace River Elementary through the United Way Community School, supporting efforts such as the school food pantry, we are seeing more clearly the challenges families face every day. Food insecurity is no longer just a statistic. It has a local address, and it affects children, parents, and working families right here in our community.
When we think about hunger, we may picture unemployment or a family in crisis. Yet many households struggling to put food on the table are working every day. They are childcare workers, home health aides, retail associates, and others who keep our community running. They are doing what we encourage people to do: work hard and provide for their families. Yet, for too many, hard work is not enough.
Here in Charlotte County, 41% of households struggle to afford the cost of living. In the community surrounding Peace River Elementary, that figure exceeds 50%.
When housing, groceries, insurance, transportation, and childcare consume most of a family's income, there is little room for an unexpected expense. Food can become one of the few places left to cut back, forcing parents to make difficult choices no family should have to face.
A community school creates opportunities to listen, understand these challenges, and connect families with resources. A food pantry meets an immediate need while preserving dignity and building relationships. And sometimes, the volunteers who show up help gain a new understanding of the need in their own community.
Joanne Tompkins, who recently volunteered at the Peace River Elementary food pantry, reflected on her experience:
“Working at the food pantry allowed me to help students and families meet basic needs, knowing that giving of my time helped provide reliable access not just for students and their families but others who live in the neighborhood. Clients choose the foods and products that they most need, similar to going to the grocery store. Spending several hours at the food bank reminded me that even small acts of service can make a big difference.”
For Deanna Heminger, volunteering for the first time was equally eye-opening:
“Volunteering at a food pantry for the first time was both humbling and eye-opening. I walked away with a much deeper understanding of just how great the need is right here in our own community. Food is one of life’s most necessities, yet for so many, putting it on the table is a daily struggle. This experience reminded me that making a difference doesn’t always require a grand gesture. Sometimes, it’s simply giving a little of your time or making a donation. What may seem like a small act of kindness to us can mean more to someone else than we could ever imagine. It could literally make the difference between somebody having a meal tonight or going hungry.”
Addressing food insecurity is about more than filling a pantry. It is about recognizing a need and understanding how even small acts of service can make a meaningful difference.
As we approach the holiday season, United Way Charlotte County's Women United is putting that spirit into action. At our November Friendsgiving gathering, attendees are encouraged to donate grocery store gift cards from Publix, Walmart, Aldi, and other local retailers. These cards will support families connected to the Community School, helping ease the financial burden of putting food on the table.
For a family already stretching every dollar, a grocery gift card offers more than help with a meal. It provides a little breathing room and a reminder that their community cares.
Hunger does not always look the way we expect. Sometimes, it is a working parent quietly wondering how to make the groceries last until payday. By opening our eyes to the challenges our neighbors face, we can respond with compassion—and take meaningful steps to help ensure every family has access to the food they need to thrive.
To register for Friendsgiving, please visit www.unitedwayccfl.org/foodinsecurity. If you would like to donate a gift card, you may drop it off in person at the United Way Charlotte County office located at 17831 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte, FL 33948.
For more information about United Way Charlotte County’s mission: Mobilizing the power of our community so all can thrive, please contact Angie Matthiessen, Chief Executive Officer. She can be reached at director@unitedwayccfl.org.