Sometimes it is Difficult

I spoke with E at the Food Closet today. He works with our clients, helping carry out groceries and loading the bags into their vehicle. He is a friendly person, and easily gets to know our clients and their stories. He teared up while he told me this story.

“Why are we so quick to be judgmental about people?” He regretted his feelings toward the clients he had assisted. As he pushed the cart full of groceries up to their beautiful, late-model SUV, E wondered if these people really needed the food. They asked if he could wait. They had to make room for the groceries. All of their belongings were in their truck. Blankets, clothes, they were living in their vehicle.

E had time to learn more about these clients as they rearranged their belongings to accommodate the provisions. They had purchased the truck before he was laid off and before she was diagnosed with cancer. We stood there for awhile in silence, we wiped the tears from our eyes.

These people are an example of the new wave of clients we are serving at Elk Grove Food Bank Services.