Retired aircraft technician Alfred Boisson has become somewhat of a fixture at The Share Center Food & Resource Center for the past several months. You can find this dedicated volunteer at The Share Center three times a week every week.
The Share Center is a program of our partner Food and Shelter that serves residents of Norman, Noble, Lexington, Slaughterville, Little Axe and McClain County. The Share Center is set up just like a grocery store where neighbors can “shop” every month and fill carts with fresh produce, proteins, dairy and eggs, as well as shelf-stable items like canned food, pasta, rice, sauces and more. They get to choose what’s best for their families.
Alfred helps shoppers fill out the forms they need to use The Share Center and helps them check out when they’ve finished their shopping. He says it’s been a great experience volunteering, and he’s continually surprised by how many people rely on help to put food on the table.
“The influx we have coming into the center is mind-blowing,” he says. “Sometimes they’re homeless, no shelter, no family, no transportation. It’s eye-opening.”
We’re seeing the same situation at so many of our partner food banks, pantries and other feeding programs, and it isn’t just our homeless neighbors. Hardworking parents can’t seem to afford to pay the bills and buy food. Seniors living on fixed incomes can’t afford prescription medications and food. Children are going to school without the food they need to fuel their educations.
Thankfully, partners like Food and Shelter are there to help fill the gaps for our neighbors facing hunger — and thanks to you, the Regional Food Bank is here to help.
As more and more people come to our local pantries and food banks, volunteers like Alfred and supporters like you become even more critical. Thank you for making a difference!
“A True Blessing”
When we first met John, he had only visited The Share Center Food & Resource Center at Food and Shelter, a Regional Food Bank partner, a couple of times, but he could already see the impact in his life.
“If it weren’t for this place, I wouldn’t be eating right,” says John.
John has had a tough time affording nutritious food since costs started rising. An industrial accident about six years ago left him unable to work. Not long after his accident, he lost his wife Lydia during the COVID-19 pandemic. He’s been living on his own since.
Thankfully, John’s pastor told him about The Share Center, and he decided it was time to get the help he needed. “It makes all the difference in the world,” he says. “This is a true blessing.”
John has also been pleasantly surprised by the variety of nutritious foods available at The Share Center. Like many of our neighbors, he loves the grocery store setup and ability to pick and choose the foods he likes best.
We’re proud to be able to support programs like The Share Center, and we couldn’t do it without supporters like you!
Neighbors like John who are facing food insecurity are able to keep going because of your help. Thank you.
Next Story: Help in Hard Times